title: Universal multiplexable matK primers for DNA barcoding of angiosperms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  PCR amplification of the matK barcoding region is often difficult when dealing with multiple angiosperm families. We developed a primer cocktail to amplify this region efficiently across angiosperm diversity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We developed 14 matK primers (seven forward, seven reverse) for multiplex PCR, using sequences available in GenBank for 178 taxa belonging to 123 genera in 41 families and 18 orders. Universality of these new multiplexed primers was tested with 53 specimens from 44 representative angiosperm families in 23 different orders. Our primers showed high PCR amplification and sequencing success.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results show that our newly developed primers are highly effective for multiplex PCR and can be employed in future barcode projects involving taxonomically diverse samples across angiosperms. Using multiplex primers for barcoding will reduce the cost and time needed for PCR amplification.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, Vienna 1030, Austria.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heckenhauer
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, Vienna 1030, Austria.
authors.forename: Michael H J
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Barfuss
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, Vienna 1030, Austria.
authors.forename: Rosabelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Samuel
keywords: DNA barcoding; degenerate primers; matK; multiplex PCR