Genetic diversity and wood anatomy of pines in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya: A DNA barcoding approach

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Abstract

Description of the topic. Geographical distribution, historical occurrences, and human activity are some of the variables that affect the genetic diversity of Pinus species. Understanding these patterns is critical for conservation efforts and for adapting forest management strategies to climate change. Objectives. The contrasting levels of genetic diversity among Pinus species underscore the importance of species-specific approaches in conservation and management programs. DNA barcoding is an effective method for identifying diverse plant species across taxa and ecosystems. Method. In this study, Pinus species were classified, and their geographical distribution was studied in the Al-Jabel Al-Akhdar region, growing at different altitudes in natural forests and afforested. The anatomical composition of the wood was examined, including tracheid wall thicknesses, latewood thickness, ray parenchyma area, number of resin ducts, ray height, and fiber length. Additionally, DNA barcoding was conducted using rbcL primers. Results. The results of the cross-sectional examination of the wood of Pinus species showed significant differences among the species. However, the ray parenchyma area showed no significant differences among the species. Chloroplast rbcL regions were used as barcode markers to identify 10 Pinus plants. The results highlight the need for an advanced DNA barcode reference library with broad species coverage for accurate species identification. Conclusions. This study not only provides insights into the diversity and taxonomy of Pinus but also contributes to the ongoing conservation of Pinus resources and supports sustainable resource management in the region. DNA barcoding technology is critical for taxonomy and biodiversity studies because it allows rapid and accurate species identification in forests.

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