In Silico validated primers for metabarcoding terrestrial vertebrate species from the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to design and perform in silico testing of new primers that could be used for metabarcoding research of terrestrial vertebrates species from the Republic of Moldova. Using bioinformatics techniques, were determined the taxonomic coverage, specificity and degree of conservation of new primers in comparison to universal primers used for vertebrate metabarcoding. The target group consisted of 174 terrestrial vertebrate species that are part of Moldova's fauna and whose mitogenomes are included in the global RefSeq database. In the frame of this group of species the new candidate primers demonstrated a superior performance.