XVI International Botanical Congess
We sequenced 33 species, some with replication, in 11 sections of Nicotiana within 3 sub-families for a total of 66 sequences. Petunia and Anthocercis were used as outgroups. PCR products were cloned to examine intraspecific variation. Depending on PCR conditions, some psuedogenes were retrieved. After pruning psuedogenes, most sections agree with Goodspeed=s phonetic hypothesis for the genus, however, our analysis suggests a rearrangement at the sub-familial level. ITS sequences in Nicotiana appear to be evolving rapidly and did not give resolution at the species level. Our analysis supports the Australian genus, Anthocercis, as the sister group to Nicotiana.