DNA Barcoding technology in Belarus: prospects and needs

Abstract

The DNA identification of rare and endangered plant species started in 2017 at the Republican DNA Bank. DNA barcoding is the best approach and tool to study flora and fauna and organize the obtained data in a special database. At present, the database contains barcodes (ITS2, rbcL, psbA-trnH) of 35 wild plant species growing in the territory of the Republic of Belarus. This is the first effort Belarus has made in compiling a Reference DNA Barcode Library to provide for the identification of rare and endangered plant species in the protected areas and biological collections.