A rapid insect species identification system using mini-barcode pyrosequencing

Rapid and accurate species identification is not only important for biodiversity studies and pest quarantine and management, but in some cases may also influence the results of international trade negotiations. In this study, we developed a rapid species identification system for insects.

A universal DNA mini-barcode primer pair was designed to target ∼ 120 bp of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene. This primer set can amplify the targeted region from all 300 species of 26 insect orders tested as well as other classes of Arthropoda. Although we found no within-species variation in this region, it provided enough information to separate closely related species or species complexes, in particular Thrips spp. and Bemisia spp. By combining a quick DNA extraction method with pyrosequencing, we were able to generate DNA sequences and complete species identification within 5 h.

Mini-barcode pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA coupled with the GenBank database provides a rapid, accurate, and efficient species identification system. This system is therefore useful for biodiversity discovery, forensic identification, and quarantine control and management. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.