A molecular method for identification of the morphologically plastic invasive algal genera Eucheuma and Kappaphycus (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) in Hawaii

Kimberly Y. Conklin, Akira Kurihara, Alison R. Sherwood

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

83 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A paucity of diagnostic morphological characters for identification and high morphological plasticity within the genera Eucheuma and Kappaphycus has led to confusion about the distributions and spread of three introduced eucheumoid species in Hawaii. Entities previously identified as E. denticulatum, K. alvarezii, and K. striatum have had profound negative effects on Oahu's coral reef ecosystems. The use of molecular tools to aid identification of algal species has been promising in other morphologically challenging taxa. We used three molecular markers (partial nuclear 28S rRNA, partial plastid 23S rRNA, and mitochondrial 5′ COI) and followed a DNA barcoding-like approach to identify Eucheuma and Kappaphycus samples from Hawaii. Neighbor-joining analyses were congruent in their separation of Eucheuma and Kappaphycus, and the resulting clusters were consistent with those revealed for global comparisons with the mitochondrial cox2-3 spacer and GenBank data. Based on these results, new insights were revealed into the distribution of these groups in Hawaii.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)691-699
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Applied Phycology
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2009
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aquatic Science
  • Plant Science

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