Ulva armoricana (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) from the coasts of Brittany (France). II. Nuclear rDNA ITS sequence analysis

• Published in: European journal of phycology Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 81 - 86
• Main Authors: COAT, G., DION, P., NOAILLES, M.-C., DE REVIERS, B., FONTAINE, J.-M., BERGER-PERROT, Y., LOISEAUX-DE GOËR, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press 01-02-1998; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; Biodiversity; Brackish; green tides; ITS sequences; Life Sciences; Marine; Molecular biology; Systematics, Phylogenetics and taxonomy; Ulva armoricana; Ulva species; Vegetal Biology; ANE, France, Brittany; Ulva species; ITS sequences; green tides
• ISSN: 0967-0262; 1469-4433
• DOI: 10.1080/09670269810001736563

The utility of rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences
for
separating species of Ulva along the North Brittany coast of France
was investigated. Particular attention was paid to the Ulva species
responsible for ‘green tides’. Floating thalli are difficult
to identify due
to fragmentation and it was not clear at the outset whether one or more
species of Ulva might be contributing to the green tide
phenomenon. Results show that ITS sequences are good markers for Ulva
species and that the Lannion Bay green tide taxon is a
previously unrecognized species that can also be identified on morphological
grounds. We found that ITS type did not necessarily
correspond to the initial identification of a specimen based on morphological
features, due to the lack of good diagnostic characters. This
survey highlights the need for a more intensive survey of Ulva
populations along European coasts. Once ITS groups can be recognized,
quick screening assays can be developed to aid morphological identification.