Chloroplast gene matK holds the barcodes for identification of Momordica (Cucurbitaceae) species from Indian subcontinent

DNA barcoding is a supplementary tool in plant systematics, extensively used to resolve the species level controversies. This paper details the identification of DNA barcodes for seven species of Momordica, using the chloroplast gene matK. Since the species M. cymbalaria has been confused as a member of the genus Luffa , 26 accessions of Momordica belonging to seven Indian species and two accessions of Luffa acutangula were included in this study. Analysis of matK sequences has yielded distinct barcodes in M. charantia var. charantia, M. subangulata subsp. renig-era, M. cochinchinensis, M. balsamina, M. cymbalaria and also in Luffa acutangula. Evolutionary status of each species was reflected as nucleotide polymorphisms in each sequence. The wild species M. dioica and M. sahyadrica have yielded one barcode but failed to get differentiated. Further, this study provides conclusive proof that M. cymbalaria is a member of Momordica genus. The phylogram generated was successful to distin-guish the monoecious species of this genus, M. charantia, M. balsamina and M. cymbalaria , from the dioecious species M. dioica, M. sahyadrica, M. subangulata subsp. renigera and M. cochinchinensis. Thus, matK locus, by accumulating the evolutionary sequence variations, is proven efficient to differentiate the Momordica species and to reveal their relatedness.

Automated summary

This study utilized DNA barcoding to identify seven species of Momordica and determine their relationships. Analysis of matK gene sequences resulted in distinct barcodes that could differentiate the species. The study also confirmed M. cymbalaria as a member of the Momordica genus.