Molecular Biodiversity Convergence with Biogeography and Ethnobotany of Rare and Endangered Medicinal Plants from Northern Vietnam

Abstract

The genomic revolution of the last decades has greatly improved our understanding of the genetic make-up of living organisms. During the last 25 years, remarkable advances in DNA, RNA and protein technologies have been realized that have improved our understanding of plant biology and ecology. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) developed recently now allows virtually millions of bases to be sequenced in one sample at very low cost, and as costs continue to reduce, we are only beginning to imagine the possibilities of molecular biology addressing a variety of questions not possible before. Genomics and NGS developments must now be directed towards a better understanding of rare and endangered plants, as well as plants used for food and medicine. Many genetic methods do not require whole genomes or whole transcriptomes to be sequenced and assembled in plants for research and conclusions to be realized. Resequencing and genome mining (i.e. through bioinformatics and computer programmes) allow the identification of an unlimited number of markers, analysis of germplasm and allelic diversity. The availability of molecular biology information is enabling genome editing (i.e. site-specific functional genetic markers) to provide molecular information desired by plant biogeographers and ethnobotanists. This chapter presents a brief synopsis of genomic and NGS technologies and methods and typical applications in the fields of molecular marker development, hybridization, biodiversity, phylogenetics, evolutionary and ecological studies, proteomics and bioinformatics. This review illustrates how molecular biology-derived information can be used to tailor genomic tools for different needs and applications to four rare and endangered food and medicinal plants in North Vietnam and how such developments should assist in a better understanding of regulatory traits responsible for adaptation, propagation and domestication. Current over-reliance on a few rare and endangered plants in medicine and food has inherent biodiversity and ecological and economic risks and is most probably unsustainable in the long term, and the risks to these plants is an urgent issue which needs to be addressed at both the scientific and social levels.