Objective:
Barcoding is an important tool towards the solution of traceability issues. Plant.ID is a collaborative network within Europe and addresses the challenges of plant identification in 15 different projects. We focus on common edible, poisonous, allergenic and pharmaceutical plants of the Greek flora. Through sequencing of barcoding regions and metabarcoding techniques, specific barcoding markers will be developed to be used either with PCR and/or with the High Resolution Melting Analysis for species-specific identification.
Context:
Illegal collection and trade accelerate plant extinction and accounts for economic losses. Species of restricted distribution are affected disproportionately and require special conservation measures. The same applies to natural hybrids, due to their unique characteristics. Substitution of wild species, due to misidentification, can lead to severe adverse reactions. Poisonous plants can cause a variety of severe intoxications. Food adulteration harms the consumer in many ways. Based on the above, there is a need for efficient identification for edible, toxic, and endangered plant species.
Contacts:
Panagiotis Madesis, pmadesis@certh.gr, www.inab.certh.gr/personnel/researchers/9-panagiotis-madesis
Bastien Anthoons, banthoons@certh.gr, www.linkedin.com/in/bastien-anthoons-43093788/?originalSubdomain=en
Further information:
PLANTID PROJECT website, page of the specific project (ESR13): https://www.plantid.uio.no/research/projects/esr13.html