In-silico approaches for discrimination of Curcuma species and their closely related family using the novel technique of DNA Barcoding

In this study, we have discriminated and identified the Genus of Curcuma and related species Zingiberaceae using rbcL and trnL DNA barcode primers. Curcuma genus related to the family Zingiberaceae comprises a significant number of medicinal plants renowned for their use in ethnomedicine, playing a pivotal role in the medical, health, and pharmaceutical sectors. Traditionally, morphological methods alone have proven insufficient for accurately identifying species within this family. However, DNA barcoding technology provides a contemporary solution by utilizing plant DNA sequences for species identification, thus enabling effective conservation efforts. We used DNA barcoding techniques and for analysis used the Maximum Parsimony tree in MEGA 11 with the Kimura 2-parameter (KP model) to analyse the genetic relationships between species. Out of the 13 accessions that were studied, 12 accessions belonged to Curcuma caesia and 1 accession belonged to Curcuma aeruginosa. The genetic relationships observed were correlated with the geographical distributions of these species. It was determined that C. aeruginosa is a mutated species of C. caesia. Additionally, 1 specimen of Alpinia galanga, a plant species related to the Zingiberaceae. Barcode primer trnL primer demonstrated a 92% efficiency during the investigation. The rbcL and trnL loci are recommended as potential barcode markers for discriminating between different plant species. This study developed a comprehensive DNA barcoding database that can confidently differentiate between species by combining morphological and molecular data. This database has the potential to identify adulteration in herbal products, combat illegal trade and adulteration of plant species, and assist in germplasm conservation efforts.