Molecular identification of endemic plant species in Kars Province based on universal barcode gene regions

Located in the highest and coldest region of north-eastern Türkiye, the province of Kars boasts a remarkable floral diversity, accounting for 16 % of the country's flora with 1615 plant species identified. This region represents the Caucasian lands of Türkiye and serves as a transition point between the Iranian-Turkish, European-Siberian and Mediterranean floral regions. Despite its considerable botanical wealth of the province, the flora of Kars Province remains poorly documented in the scientific literature. The aim of this research was to provide the molecular identity of 14 endemic plant species in the province using DNA-based methods. Three universal DNA barcode genes—trnH-psbA (non-coding spacer region), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit (rbcL), and maturase K (matK)—were sequenced to facilitate accurate identification. The endemic plant species were correctly identified to genus and species level based on the presence of the corresponding sequence of the investigated gene regions. By submitting 36 new barcodes to the NCBI database, this study contributes valuable genetic resources for future research in plant genetic studies. The findings highlight the potential of DNA barcoding to improve our understanding of plant diversity and to inform conservation efforts in the Caucasus region. The research not only contributes to our knowledge of Türkiye's plant diversity, but also advances the global discourse on genetic, taxonomic, ecological and biodiversity research dedicated to the conservation of endemic species in their natural habitats.