Identification of Plant Remains in Underwater Archaeological Areas by Morphological Analysis and DNA Barcoding

Angelo Gismondi, Donatella Leonardi, Flavio Enei, Antonella Canini

Civic Museum and Castle of Santa Severa, Via del Castello snc, Santa Severa, Rome, Italy.
Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, Rome, Italy.

DOI: 10.4236/aa.2013.34034                

Abstract

DNA barcode technique has only recently been applied to archaeobotanical studies. In fact, in association with morphological, scanning electron and optical microscopic analyses, these specific methods allow researcher to scientifically classify antique flora samples. Therefore, this project wants to improve, to encourage and spread further use of this protocol and to highlight the potentialities of the molecular biology and microscopy related to botanical fossils. In conclusion, ancient Olea europaea L. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq. seeds, a Pinus sp. pollen cone, a Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl. acorn, animal fibers and gymnosperm woody fragments, found in a 1st Century BC sunken Dressel 1B amphora, have clearly been identified, in order to enhance knowledge about Central Italy past human activity and environment. This research has also demonstrated the applicability of this scientific approach on specimens derived from underwater archaeological site.

Keywords

Barcoding; Optical Microscopy; SEM Analysis; Archaeobotany; Plant Remains

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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