Near-infrared spectroscopy: a promising data source for evolutionary and systematic studies in plants

Resumen

Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-NIR) is a precise, efficient, and valuable technique for evolutionary and systematics studies. It involves exposing fragments of biological material (e.g., dry leaves) to electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range. Each sample's absorbance or reflectance spectrum represents a chemometric model derived from its C - H, C - N, and C - O bonds, reflecting its chemical and physical structure. It is a rapid, economical, and non-destructive analytical approach that provides better reproducibility without emissions or waste. FT-NIR spectra generate complex spectral signatures that can be utilized in many developmental, physiological, evolutionary, and systematic studies. Numerous studies have demonstrated that FT-NIR is accurate in identifying and describing botanical samples, with the majority of research focusing primarily on seed plants. Here, we present results showing the accuracy of FT-NIR datasets in recognizing species hypotheses from all lineages of spore-bearing vascular plants, including lycophytes and several lineages of ferns (Hymenophyllales, Gleicheniales, Schizaeales, Cyatheales, and Polypodiales). Additionally, we test whether FT-NIR data capture the underlying variation in groups with high morphological disparity or stasis and its potential as a tool for identifying cryptic species. Lastly, we investigate whether environmental occupation correlates with spectral variation in lineages.

Citation: Almeida, T.E., Oliveira, M.H.V. Mendonça, Souza e Silva, D.V., Zanatta Alves, J., dos Santos Lima, K. & do Valle Monteiro Souza, C. 2025. Near-infrared spectroscopy: a promising data source for evolutionary and systematic studies in plants. Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 46(Número especial 1): 67.  

Trabajo presentado en el XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica. Sesión Sistemática, Filogenia, Biogeografía y Evolución.