Taxonomic Revisions of Threatened Plants Based on Species Identification Technology DevelopedUsing Nextgeneration DNA Barcodes
Principal Investigator: Tetsukazu YAHARA
Institution: Kyushu Open University
W1-D310, Motooka 744, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, JAPAN
Tel: 092-407-1700 / Fax: 092-407-1700
E-mail: tet.yahara@gmail.com
Cooperated by: Tohoku University, Univesity of Toyo, National Museum of Nature and Science Tokyo,
University of Human Environments, Niigata University, Kobe University, Kagoshima University,
Ryukyu University.
[Abstract]
Key Words: DNA barcode, MIG-seq analysis, New species, Next generation sequencing, Red list,Species conservation act, Taxonomy, Thretened plants.
The aim of this study was to identify new species in Japan and describe them in order to support
the Ministry of the Environment's Red List and Species Conservation Act. The study also aimed todevelop techniques to identify threatened species that are difficult to distinguish taxonomically.
The researchers employed three methods: studying known candidate new species, investigating groups
with potential for new discoveries, and examining areas with high species diversity and threatenedspecies. Field surveys were conducted in 42 prefectures to collect DNA samples and voucher
specimens of around 4,000 vascular plant species. Phylogenetic analyses using MIG-seq wereconducted on approximately 300 species, resulting in the discovery of 110 new species and 20 newsubspecies. Additionally, 58 species previously treated as synonyms or doubtful taxa wereidentified as independent species. A provisional assessment of Red List categories was made forthese 188 species and subspecies, with 54% identified as threatened and potential candidates fordesignation as nationally endangered species. The findings showed that more new species werediscovered than initially expected, highlighting the importance of continued taxonomic research.

[References]
Hirota SK, Yahara T, Kengo F, Sato H, Tagane S, Fujii S, Minamitani T, Suyama Y (2022) Molecularphylogeny and taxonomy of Hydrangea serrata complex (Hydrangeaceae) in western Japan including
a new subspecies of H. acuminata from Yakushima. Phytokeys 188: 49-71. (IF:1.3)
Hirota SK, Yasumoto AA, Nitta K, Tagane M, Miki N, Suyama Y, Yahara T (2021) Evolutionary
history of Hemerocallis in Japan inferred from chloroplast and nuclear phylogenies and levelsof interspecific gene flow. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 164: 107264. (IF:5.0)
Ito T, Kanemitsu H, Hoson T, Yahara T (2023) A new species of succulent plant discovered inlimestone areas of Kyushu, Japan: Sedum kawaraense (Crassulaceae). Phytotaxa 587: 2.4 (IF:1.1)
Suetsugu K, Hirota SK, Nakato N, Suyama Y, Serizawa S (2022) Morphological, ecological, andmolecular phylogenetic approaches reveal species boundaries and evolutionary history ofGoodyera crassifolia (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) and its closely related taxa. PhytoKeys
212:111-134. (IF:1.3)
Suetsugu K, Hirota SK, Hayakawa H, Fujimori S, Ishibashi M, Hsu TC, Suyama Y (2023) Spiranthes
hachijoensis (Orchidaceae), a new species within the S. sinensis species complex in Japan,
based on morphological, phylogenetic, and ecological evidence. Journal of Plant Research,
published on line. (IF:3.0)
Suetsugu K, Hirota SK, Hsu T-C, Kurogi S, Imamura A, Suyama Y (2023) Monotropastrum kirishimense(Ericaceae), a new mycoheterotrophic plant from Japan based on multifaceted evidence. Journalof Plant Research 136: 3-18. (IF:3.0)
Suyama Y, Hirota SK, Matsuo A, Tsunamoto Y, Mitsuyuki C, Shimura A, Okano K (2022).
Complementary combination of multiplex high-throughput DNA sequencing for molecular phylogeny.
Ecological Research 37: 171-181. (IF:2.1)

Tagane S. Fujii S, Hirota S, Naiki A, Yahara T (2022) Hydrangea marunoi (Hydrangeaceae), a new
species from Osumi Peninsula, southern Japan. PhytoKeys 211: 33-44. (IF:1.3)
Yahara T, Hirota SK, Kengo F, Sato H, Tagane S, Suyama Y (2021) Validation of Hosta alata(Asparagaceae) as a new species and its phylogenetic affinity. Phytokeys 181: 79-93. (IF:1.3)
Yahara T, Hirota SK, Kengo F, Sato H, Tagane S, Suyama Y (2021) A new subspecies of Stellaria
alsine (Caryophyllaceae) from Yakushima, Japan. Phytokeys 187: 177-188. (IF:1.3)