The use of ITS region as a tool for wood identification in Brazil: A case study of a tree from the genus Hovenia sp.

Abstract

The knowledge of botanical identity of wood allows its adequate application as raw material in the industry and has importance related to deterring the illegal trade in protected species. This paper reports the species identification of seized logs, based on anatomical characteristics and ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region. Three wood samples came from an apprehension in deforestation in Paraná State, Brazil, by the Federal Police, resulting from actions to combat illegal logging. First anatomical identification was done based on the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of material. After, DNA extraction was done with the DNeasy Mericon Food Kit® with some adaptation. Wood presented growth rings distinct, semiring porous, vessels solitary predominant, in radial multiples of 2-3, occasionally clustered, without deposits in vessels, axial parenchyma unilateral and vasicentric, tending to lozenge-aliform, confluent and in marginal bands, heterogeneous rays, uniseriate and multiseriate, not storied, fibers thin to thick-walled, non-septate and was identified as from genus Hovenia. ITS1 region resulted in the same genus and allowed the identification of the seized sample, which is an exotic and invader species that can be explored.