Phylogenetic relationship of mangrove species found in Sri Lanka based on rbcL gene sequence

Hirimuthugoda NY1*, Perera PWA1, Aluthmuhandiram VJ2, Rashmi Ishuwara A3, Premakumara MMK1 and Lal PK1

1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
2Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
3Department of Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka

Abstract

A fertile mangrove community can be seen along the sheltered coastline of Sri Lanka, which is an island in the Indian Ocean. Currently there are 21 species of mangroves that have not yet been genetically classified. Therefore, we intended to perform the Sri Lankan mangrove classification using the rbcL gene marker. Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) protocols for DNA extraction from mangroves and Silica extraction method were optimized to extract DNA. All the sequence data obtained in this study were deposited in the NCBI GenBank. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees revealed that, the Sri Lankan mangrove community can be classified genetically under 21 species and the Rhizophora anamalayana plant was identified as a hybrid of two species, R. apiculata and R. mucranata. As far as Ceriops is concerned, the vegetation of the Trincomalee and Puttalam areas seems to be distinctly different. Therefore, need to do more research on this clade in the future. The results of this study can be used as the baseline data for mangrove taxonomy in Sri Lanka and will be supported in future conservation and management actions.

Keywords: Mangroves, rbcL marker, Rhizophora anamalayana, Sri Lanka

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* - Corresponding Author

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka

Copyright © 2007 by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna

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