Abstract
Lycium barbarum is a valuable herb with both medicinal and edible properties known for over 2000 years. Two closely related species, namely, L. chinense and L. ruthenicum, have gained increasing attention worldwide for its unique taste, potential efficacy and expensive market value. However, the absence of genomic data hinders further research on the genus. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of L. barbarum, L. chinense and L. ruthenicum through high-throughput sequencing technology. The complete chloroplast genomes of L. barbarum, L. chinense and L. ruthenicum measure 155,656, 155,745 and 154,869 bp in size, respectively, and each genome contains 133 genes. We predicted 35 common RNA-editing sites. The chloroplast genomes of L. barbarum, L. chinense and L. ruthenicum harbour 58, 54 and 62 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), respectively. Comparative analyses of three Lycium species revealed several variable regions and SSR markers, which can be used for species identification. Phylogenetic analysis showed L. barbarum and L. chinense have closer genetic relationship than L. ruthenicum did and revealed the relationship between Lycium and Atropa. The comparative analysis of three Lycium plants provide valuable information for further studies on species identification, chloroplast genetic engineering, herbgenomics, and phylogenetics in Lycium species.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
