Korean Proficiency Tests for Pesticide Residues in Rice: Comparison of Various Proficiency Testing Evaluation Methods and Identification of Critical Factors for Multiresidue Analysis.

Establishing pesticide safety management for agricultural products necessitates accurate pesticide analysis at analytical laboratories. Proficiency testing is regarded an effective method for quality control. Herein, proficiency tests were carried out for residual pesticide analysis in laboratories. All samples satisfied the homogeneity and stability criteria of the ISO 13528 standard. The obtained results were analyzed using the ISO 17043 z-score evaluation. Both individual pesticide and multiresidue proficiency evaluations were performed, and the proportion of z-scores within the ±2 range ("Satisfactory" rating) obtained for seven pesticides ranged 79-97%. Of the laboratories, 83% were classified as Category A using the category A/B method, and these also received AAA ratings in the triple-A evaluations. Furthermore, 66-74% of the laboratories were rated "Good" via five evaluation methods based on their z-scores. The sum of weighted z-scores and scaled sum of squared z-scores were considered as the most suitable evaluation techniques, as they compensated for the drawbacks of good results and corrected the poor results. To identify the main factors affecting laboratory analysis, the experience of the analyst, sample weight, calibration curve preparation method, and cleanup status were considered. A dispersive solid phase extraction cleanup significantly improved the results (p < 0.01).

The complete chloroplast genome of Atriplex gmelinii C. A. Mey. ex Bong. (Amaranthaceae).

Atriplex gmelinii C. A. Mey. Ex Bong._1838 is an annual halophytic herb found in East Asia and North America. The chloroplast genome of A. gmelinii was successfully sequenced. The assembled genome (151,852 bp; GC ratio, 37.3%) is composed of four subregions, with the large single copy (LSC; 83,872 bp; 35.4%) and small single copy (SSC; 17,812 bp; 30.9%) regions separated by two regions of inverted repeat regions (25,084 bp; 42.8%). A total of 130 genes were predicted with 85 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs. The phylogenetic analyses inferred from whole chloroplast genomes of 35 species, including 34 species in Amaranthaceae and one outgroup species, suggest a close relationship between A. gmelinii and A. centralasiatica.

The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysanthemum zawadskii Herbich (Asteraceae) isolated in Korea.

We have determined the complete chloroplast genome of Chrysanthemum zawadskii Herbich isolated in Korea. The circular chloroplast genome of C. zawadskii is 151,137 bp long and has four subregions: 83,041 bp of large single copy and 18,350 bp of small single copy regions are separated by 24,873 bp of inverted repeat regions including 133 genes (87 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, 37 tRNAs, and one pseudogene). There are 65 to 152 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 33 to 64 insertion and deletion regions (178 bp to 372 bp in length) identified against three available chloroplast genomes of C. zawadskii. The phylogenetic tree shows that C. zawadskii is clustered as a paraphyletic group with C. zawadskii subsp. coreanum, displaying incongruency between species and clades.

The Comparative Analyses of Six Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Morphologically Diverse Chenopodium album L. (Amaranthaceae) Collected in Korea.

Chenopodium album sensu stricto belonging to C. album aggregate is an annual cosmopolitan weed displaying the diversity of morphologies. We completed the six chloroplast genomes of C. album s. str. collected in Korea to understand the relationship between the diversity of chloroplast genomes and their morphological variations. All six C. album chloroplast genomes have a typical quadripartite structure with length ranging from 151,906 bp to 152,199 bp, similar to the previously sequenced C. album chloroplast genome (NC_034950). In total, 56 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 26 insertion and deletion (INDEL) regions (308 bp in total) were identified from the six chloroplast genomes, presenting a low level of intraspecific variations in comparison to the other angiosperm species. 376 normal simple sequence repeats were identified in all seven C. album chloroplast genomes. The phylogenetic analysis based on all available complete Amaranthaceae chloroplast genomes presents phylogenetic positions of six C. album samples as well as correlation with one of C. album morphological features. Our results provide the way to investigate intraspecific features of C. album chloroplast genomes and also the insights of understanding various intraspecific characteristics including morphological features.

The complete chloroplast genome of Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus (Rosaceae).

Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus is an economically important herb in the cold temperate regions of East Asia, and displays highly variable morphological features. Completed chloroplast genome of A. dioicus var. kamtschaticus isolated in Korea is 157,859 bp long with four subregions: 85,972 bp of large single copy and 19,185 bp of small single-copy regions separated by 26,351 bp of inverted repeat regions. The genome includes 131 genes (86 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Phylogenetic analyses show that our chloroplast genome was clustered with two partial chloroplast genomes of A. dioicus.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Scapania ampliata Steph., 1897 (Scapaniaceae, Jungermanniales).

Scapania ampliata Steph. is the endemic species in East Asia. To investigate intraspecific variations on mitochondrial genomes of S. ampliata, we completed mitochondrial genome of S. ampliata isolated in Korea. It is 143,664 bp long and contains 73 genes (41 protein-coding genes, three rRNAs, 28 tRNAs, and one pseudogene). 823 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; 0.057%) and 2,242 insertions and deletions were identified between two S. ampliata mitochondrial genomes, which is large number of intraspecific variations in comparison to the other cases of Bryophyte mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetic trees show that S. ampliata is clustered with those of two Scapania species with high supportive values.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Riccia fluitans L. (Ricciaceae, Marchantiophyta): investigation of intraspecific variations on mitochondrial genomes of R. fluitans.

Riccia fluitans L. is the most common species in Riccia genus. To investigate intraspecific variations on mitochondrial genomes of R. fluitans, we completed mitochondrial genome of R. fluitans. Its length is 185,640 bp, longer than that of NC_043906 by 19 bp and it contains 74 genes (42 protein-coding genes, 3 rRNAs, 28 tRNAs, and 1 pseudogene). 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 19 insertions and deletions are identified, higher than that of Marchantia polymorpha subsp. ruderalis. One non-synonymous SNP is found in ccmFN. Phylogenetic trees show that R. fluitans is clustered with Dumortiera hirsuta, requiring additional mitogenome to clarify the phylogenetic relationship.

The complete chloroplast genome of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. isolated in Korea (Rosaceae): investigation of intraspecific variations on its chloroplast genomes.

The complete chloroplast genome of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. isolated in Korea is 155,125 bp long (GC ratio is 36.9%) and has four subregions: 84,458 bp of large single copy (34.9%) and 18,737 bp of small single copy (30.4%) regions are separated by 25,965 bp of inverted repeat (42.6%) regions including 129 genes (84 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). 258 SNPs and 542 INDELs were identified as intraspecific variations against the partial genome (KY419942). Phylogenetic trees show that our chloroplast genome was clustered with the previous A. pilosa chloroplast genome.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Wiesnerella denudata (Mitt.) Steph. (Wiesnerellaceae, Marchantiophyta): large number of intraspecific variations on mitochondrial genomes of W. denudata.

Wiesnerella denudata (Mitt.) Steph. is a thallose liverwort distributed in Asian subtropical to tropical regions. It is the only one species in genus Wiesnerella and family Wiesnerellaceae. To investigate intraspecific variations on mitochondrial genomes of W. denudata, we completed mitochondrial genome of W. denudata. Its length is 185,640 bp, longer than that of the previously sequenced mitochondrial genome by 71 bp and contains 73 genes (41 protein-coding genes, 3 rRNAs, 28 tRNAs, and 1 pseudogene). A total of 149 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 3,033 insertions and deletions are identified, much higher than those of Marchantia polymorpha subsp. ruderalis and Riccia fluitans. Phylogenetic trees show that W. denudata is clustered with Monosolenium tenerum belonging to Monosoleniaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome of Fissidens nobilis Griff. (Fissidentaceae, Bryophyta).

We presented a complete chloroplast genome of Fissidens nobilis which is 124,962 bp long and has four subregions: 86,122 bp of large single-copy (LSC) and 18,708 bp of small single-copy (SSC) regions are separated by 10,066 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 127 genes (82 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). The overall GC content is 29.2% and those in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 26.6%, 26.0%, and 43.5%, respectively. Phylogenetic trees show that the phylogenetic position of F. nobilis is congruent with the previous phylogenetic study of moss species.

The complete chloroplast genome of coffee tree, Coffea arabica L. 'Typica' (Rubiaceae).

We presented complete chloroplast genome of Coffea arabica L. 'Typica' which is 155,187 bp long and has four subregions: 85,159 bp of large single copy (LSC) and 18,135 bp of small single copy (SSC) regions are separated by 25,946 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 131 genes (86 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome is 37.4% and those in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 35.4%, 31.3%, and 43.0%, respectively. Interestingly, almost most of sequence variations identified against five coffee chloroplast genomes are insertions and deletions.

The complete chloroplast genome of Leucobryum juniperoideum (brid.) C. Müll. (Leucobryaceae, Bryophyta).

We presented complete chloroplast genome of Leucobryum juniperoideum which is 124,649 bp long and has four subregions: 86,309 bp of large single copy (LSC) and 18,696 bp of small single copy (SSC) regions are separated by 9,882 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 127 genes (82 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). The overall GC content is 30.5% and those in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 28.1%, 26.8%, and 44.5%, respectively. Phylogenetic trees show that phylogenetic position of L. juniperoideum is congruent with the previous phylogenetic study of moss species.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Viburnum erosum (Adoxaceae).

Viburnum erosum is a deciduous shrub distributed in eastern Asia. As part of the systematic study to understand the phylogenetic relationship of V. erosum, we present the complete chloroplast genome of V. erosum. Its length is 158,624 bp and it has four subregions: 87,060 bp of large single-copy and 18,530 bp of small single-copy regions separated by a pair of inverted repeat regions of 26,517 bp each, including 129 genes (84 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Phylogenetic analyses show that V. erosum is sister to Viburnum japonicum, supporting morphological affinity of the two species.

The complete chloroplast genome of Aconitum coreanum (H. Lév.) Rapaics (Ranunculaceae).

Aconitum coreanum (H. Lév.) Rapaics listed in the Korean Red List is a medicinal herb. We presented complete chloroplast genome, which is 157,024 bp long and has four subregions: 87,637 bp of large single-copy and 16,901 bp of small single-copy regions, which are separated by two 26,243 bp inverted repeat regions including 132 genes (86 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). The overall GC content of the chloroplast is 38.0%. Phylogenetic trees show that A. coreanum occupied a basal position at subgenus Aconitum clade and two A. coreanum isolated from midwestern and eastern regions of Korea are clustered together.

The complete chloroplast genome of a new candidate cultivar, Sang Jae, of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (Oleaceae): initial step of A. distichum intraspecies variations atlas.

Chloroplast genome of Sang Jae, new candidate cultivar of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai, has been sequenced to reveal infraspecific relationship of wildtypes and cultivars. Its length is 156,008 bp long (GC ratio is 37.8%) and has four subregions: 86,773 bp of large single copy (35.8%) and 17,827 bp of small single copy (31.9%) regions are separated by 25,704 bp of inverted repeat (43.2%) regions including 133 genes (87 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum is clustered with twelve Forsythia species and intraspecies variations level is similar to Olea europaea.

The complete chloroplast genome of a new candidate cultivar, Dae Ryun, of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (Oleaceae).

To understand genetic features of new candidate cultivar, Dae Ryun of A. distichum, chloroplast genome was sequenced. Its length is 156,019 bp and has four subregions: 86,783 bp of large single-copy (LSC) and 17,828 bp of small single-copy (SSC) regions are separated by 25,704 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 133 genes (87 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Overall GC content is 35.8%. Intraspecies sequence variations among four A. distichum chloroplast genomes present various numbers. Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum is clustered with 12 Forsythia species.

The second complete chloroplast genome sequence of the Viburnum erosum (Adoxaceae) showed a low level of intra-species variations.

We presented the second complete chloroplast genome of the plant. The length of chloroplast genome is 158,587 bp, consisting of four subregions: 87,050 bp of LSC and 18,503 bp of SSC regions separated by a pair of 26,517 bp IR regions. It includes 129 genes (84 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). A low-level of molecular variation within Viburnum erosum was found with 16 SNPs and 49 indels. The phylogenetic tree shows that the two accessions of V. erosum are clustered with Viburnum japonicum with no resolution between the species, suggesting that chloroplast genome in these species evolve slowly.