Characterization and SSR identify of the complete chloroplast genome of Paphiopedilum concolor (Orchidaceae)

Abstract

Paphiopedilum concolor (Orchidaceae) is endemic to China with highly ornamental and horticultural value. However, its whole chloroplast (cp) genome has not been reported yet. Here, the first nucleotide sequence of P. concolor was identified using Illumina sequencing technology. The circular genome is 166,744 bp in size and comprises a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 15,694 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 139,351 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 11,729 bp. The total GC content is 34.6%, whereas the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 33.7%, 26.0%, and 41.6%, respectively. The chloroplast genome contains 137 genes, including 91 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 38 transfer RNA genes. Moreover, we identified a total of 129 microsatellites (SSRs) within the P. concolor cp genome. These newly developed genomic resources will greatly important to the further conservation genetic studies of Paphiopedilum species.