Journal Article

An Updated DNA Barcoding Tool for Aloe Vera and Related CITES‐Regulated Species

Rakotoarisoa, Solofo E., Rønsted, Nina, Rees, Paul, Woudstra, Yannick, Grace, Olwen M., Howard, Caroline

2025

Overview

DNA barcoding has revolutionized the identification of illegally traded material of endangered species as it overcomes the lack of resolution encountered with morphological identification. Nonetheless, in recently evolved and highly diverse clades, such as the relatives of Aloe vera, the lack of interspecific sequence variation in standardized markers compromises the barcoding efficacy. We present a new DNA barcoding tool using 189 nuclear markers, optimized for aloes (Asphodelaceae, Alooideae). We built a comprehensive sequence reference dataset from taxonomically verified sources for >300 species and validated its reliability for identification using phylogenomic inference. Seven anonymized samples from verified botanical collections and ten plants seized at London Heathrow Airport were correctly identified to species level, including a critically endangered species from Madagascar. Commercially purchased samples were confirmed to be the species as advertised. An accurate, reliable DNA barcoding method for aloe identification introduces new assurance to regulatory processes for endangered plants in trade.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Africa / Aloe / Asphodelaceae / CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) / Datasets / Deoxyribonucleic acid / DNA / DNA barcoding / Endangered & extinct species / Endangered plants / Endangered species / Extinction / extinction risk / Flowers & plants / Gene sequencing / Genes / Genomes / Identification / international plant trade / International trade / IUCN Red List / Legislation / molecular identification / Phylogenetics / phylogenomics / plant conservation / succulent poaching / target enrichment / Taxonomy / Trees / Wildlife conservation