Identification and validation of ITS2-specific universal primers for DNA barcoding in plants

Abstract

Accurate identification of plant species is fundamental for various purposes, including biodiversity conservation and effective utilization of plants. Molecular-based techniques, particularly DNA barcoding, have emerged as a rapid and accurate alternative to traditional taxonomic methods for plant species identification. DNA barcoding involves analysing specific DNA regions to classify and identify organisms. Among different barcode markers, internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) has gained prominence due to its shorter length and ease of sequencing. In this study we present a comprehensive survey of the literature, identifying a universal set of primers for ITS2 and validating their universality through in silico and in vitro analyses. This manuscript provides valuable insights into establishing a standardized approach for DNA barcoding using ITS2, helping researchers select appropriate primers for accurate plant species identification and classification. Standardized universal primers alleviate the time-consuming primer selection process, promoting efficient and reliable DNA barcoding practices within the plant scientific community.