Using DNA barcoding to investigate and identify insect pollinators of Camellia oleifera in Wuhan
Author of the article:XIA Jian-Ping1** QIN Yu-Xuan2 LIU Si-Yu2 LUO Xue2 AI Hui2***
Author's Workplace：1. Hubei Academy of Forestry, Wuhan 430075, China; 2. School of Life Science, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
Key Words：pollinators; resource survey; DNA barcodes; COⅠ gene; phylogenetics analysis
Abstract：[Aim] To investigate the diversity of pollinating insect species in newly established Camellia oleifera forests in Wuhan, and to establish an accurate and efficient taxonomic system for identifying these species. [Methods] A systematic survey of pollinating insects and understory nectar plants in C. oleifera forests was conducted using traditional morphological classification methods. DNA barcoding technology was then employed to amplify the mitochondrial COⅠgene via PCR. The sequences obtained were compared and analyzed with reference to the GenBank database to determine the identities of the major pollinating insect species. Base composition characteristics of the sequences and the phylogenetic relationships among species were further analyzed. [Results] DNA barcode sequences of 46 pollinating insect species were obtained. Comparative systematic analysis revealed that the pollinating insects of C. oleifera in Wuhan have relatively high genetic diversity. A survey of understory nectar plants recorded a total of 58 species, from 46 genera and 28 families, with the Asteraceae (12 species) and Rosaceae (6 species) being the dominant families. [Conclusion] This study provides a scientific basis for utilizing pollinating insects to improve the pollination and yield of C. oleifera in Wuhan. Priority should be given to protecting the habitats of the dominant understory nectar plants, such as those of the Asteraceae and Rosaceae families, avoiding excessive clearing of understory vegetation, and implementing artificial replanting along forest edges to further promote the abundance and diversity of pollinating insects and benefit the rural C. oleifera industry.