The complete chloroplast genomic landscape and phylogenetic analyses of Populus alba L.

Abstract

Populus alba is a foundation species in evolutionary and ecological studies in the northern hemisphere. In this study, the chloroplast genome and gene map of P. alba were constructed. The P. alba chloroplast genome is 156,505\xa0bp in length comprising a large single-copy region, two inverted repeat regions and a small single-copy region. The genome contains 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes (77 PCG species), eight ribosomal RNA genes (four rRNA species) and 37 transfer RNA genes (30 tRNA species). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that all Populus chloroplast genome sequences are clustered together and divided into three large branches. Among reported Populus chloroplast genomes, the leuce section formed monophyletic, indicating that all Populus spp. have a common maternal ancestor . P. rotundifolia and P. tremula are closely related and are sisters to P. davidiana. P. alba is closely related to P. adenopoda . Population genetic research in ecology and evolution may be easily developed through chloroplast genomes as they are conserved. This research will benefit future studies related to Populus , one of the world’s most ecologically and economically important genera.