Stiliana Simeonova

Ms. Stiliana Simeonova

BAS

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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20 January 2022 in Plants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Ina AnevaIna Aneva
Ina Aneva
PZPetar Zhelev
Petar Zhelev
GBGeorgi Bonchev
Georgi Bonchev
IBIrina Ivanova Boycheva
Irina Ivanova Boycheva
SSStiliana Simeonova
Stiliana Simeonova
DKDenitsa Kancheva
Denitsa Kancheva
We present a study on the taxonomy of eleven Thymus species, belonging to two sections and occurring naturally in Bulgaria. Four DNA barcoding markers—matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA and ITS—were applied to discriminate the species and to reveal their phylogenetic relationships. The results showed that rbcL has the lowest discriminating power regarding the studied species, while the other markers yielded results fitting better to the existing taxonomic schemes based on morphological traits. However, even in the case of better performing markers, the results were not straightforward—morphologically distinct species belonging to different sections were grouped together, and closely related species appeared genetically distinct. The results are typical for taxonomically complex groups, such as the genus Thymus, characterized in Bulgaria with great diversity, high percentage of endemism and still requiring a full and comprehensive taxonomic study. The results are discussed in the light of unresolved taxonomic problems and application of DNA barcoding methods.