DNA barcoding confirms the identity of the invasive Sonchus arvensis in Java, Indonesia

Sonchus arvensissubsp.arvensisis a perennial plant that serves both as a traditional medicinal herb and a prolific invasive weed. Its recent introduction to Southeast Asia, including Java, Indonesia, poses a potential threat to native biodiversity, yet its genetic provenance and invasion history in the region are uncharacterized. To provide a reliable species-level identification, we employed DNA barcoding of the chloroplast genesrbcLandmatK. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that samples from the four geographically distinct areas were genetically uniform based on these markers and were placed within a clade containing EurasianS. arvensisaccessions. The invader was distinct from the native AustralasianSonchusspecies. This work represents the first molecular confirmation ofS. arvensisin Java using DNA barcodes. While it establishes species identity, further genomic studies are required to resolve the population history, introduction pathway, and ecological impact of this invasive species.