The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Abies beshanzuensis, a highly endangered fir species from south China

Abstract

Abies beshanzuensis is critically endangered and endemic to Zhengjiang province of China, with only three surviving individuals. In present study, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Abies beshanzuensis. The complete chloroplast genome size is 121,399 bp. In total, 114genes were identified, including 68 peptide-encoding genes, 35 tRNA genes, four rRNA genes, six open reading frames and one pseudogene. Loss of ndh genes was also identified in the genome of A. beshanzuensis like other genomes in the family Pinaceae. Thirteen genes contain one (11 genes) or two (rps12 and ycf3 genes) introns. Inverted repeat sequences located in 42-kb inversion points (1186 bp) include trnS-psaM-ycf12-trnG genes. In phylogenetic analysis, the tree confirms that the four Abies species are strongly supported as monophyletic. The complete plastome of A. beshanzuensis will provide potential genetic resources for further conservation and evolutionary studies of this highly endangered species.