Using DNA Metabarcoding to Identify Floral Visitation by Pollinators

Diversity

Simon Creer¹  Natasha de Vere²  Laura Jones³  Abigail Lowe³  Lucy Witter³ 

[1] Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK;Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark;Science Department, National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne SA32 8HG, UK;

关键词: DNA metabarcoding;    pollen;    pollinators;    pollen metabarcoding;    plant–pollinator interactions;    DNA barcoding;   

DOI  :  10.3390/d14040236

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The identification of floral visitation by pollinators provides an opportunity to improve our understanding of the fine-scale ecological interactions between plants and pollinators, contributing to biodiversity conservation and promoting ecosystem health. In this review, we outline the various methods which can be used to identify floral visitation, including plant-focused and insect-focused methods. We reviewed the literature covering the ways in which DNA metabarcoding has been used to answer ecological questions relating to plant use by pollinators and discuss the findings of this research. We present detailed methodological considerations for each step of the metabarcoding workflow, from sampling through to amplification, and finally bioinformatic analysis. Detailed guidance is provided to researchers for utilisation of these techniques, emphasising the importance of standardisation of methods and improving the reliability of results. Future opportunities and directions of using molecular methods to analyse plant–pollinator interactions are then discussed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown