Vitex species belong to a pivotal genus of the medicinal plants; however, research on their genetic diversity is still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the genetic variation in Vitex species based on the DNA barcoding genes matK and rbcL. The collected data for the matK and rbcL complete sequences came from the gene bank, with 31 matK and 23 rbcL accessions analyzed, comprising five geolocations, including China, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The data’s analysis used the MEGA 11 to reveal the genetic variation and generate phylogenetic trees. The Vitex haplotype network generation utilized the DnaSP and PopART. The results showed the genetic variation within the matK gene in Vitex species was greater than that in the rbcL gene. Overall, 75 and 40 nucleotide polymorphisms succeeded in detecting in matK and rbcL genes, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic trees of Vitex species, matK and rbcL genes could effectively separate the species into three general clades. The haplotype network analysis revealed 14 and nine haplotypes based on matK and rbcL, respectively. Genetic variation within Vitex species could be useful for the development of specific DNA barcoding for species authentication, conservation, and comprehensive assessment of genetic diversity across the regions.
DNA barcoding, genetic variation, nucleotide polymorphism, matK, rbcL, Vitex species
This study detected 75 and 40 nucleotide polymorphisms on the matK and rbcL, respectively, in Vitex species. The haplotype network analysis revealed 14 and nine haplotypes based on matK and rbcL, respectively.