Format: ORAL

Nanayakkarawasan Carijjawaththagei Sumudu Ruklani Sumudu C. K. Rubasinghe

Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

This study presents the first comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Marchantia species in Sri Lanka using nucleotide sequences from three distinct genetic markers: rbcL, psbA, and ITS2. The aim of this research was to elucidate the evolutionary relationships among different Marchantia taxa within the Sri Lankan context, providing valuable insights into the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of these liverworts. A total of 20 Marchantia samples representing diverse geographical locations across Sri Lanka were collected and analyzed. DNA was extracted, and the targeted regions (rbcL, psbA, and ITS2) were amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subsequent sequencing and alignment were performed to construct phylogenetic trees using MEGA version 11.0.13. The resulting trees were then subjected to bootstrap analysis to assess the robustness of the inferred relationships. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns within the Marchantia species sampled from Sri Lanka. The utilization of multiple markers (rbcL, psbA, and ITS2) provided a more comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary dynamics, offering insights into both conserved and variable regions of the genome. Furthermore, the study identified potential cryptic species and clarified the taxonomic relationships among Marchantia populations in Sri Lanka. The implications of these findings extend beyond the realm of taxonomy, contributing to our understanding of the biogeography and evolutionary processes shaping the diversity of Marchantia in this region. This research not only adds to the growing body of knowledge concerning liverwort evolution but also underscores the importance of incorporating multiple genetic markers for a robust phylogenetic inference. The insights gained from this study have implications for conservation efforts and provide a foundation for future investigations into the ecological and physiological adaptations of Marchantia species in Sri Lanka.