The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Bambusa tuldoides f. swolleninternode (Poaceae: Bambuseae).

Bambusa tuldoides f. swolleninternode is an attractive ornamental bamboo species of southern China, with highly shortened and swollen at the base of internodes. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of B. tuldoides was sequenced and reported for the first time. The complete genome size is 139,460 base pairs (bp), including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 82,996 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 12,876 bp and a pair of invert repeats (IR) regions of 21,794 bp. The plastid genome contained 132 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the genome is 39%. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that B. tuldoides is closely related to B. dolichoclada, B. pachinensis var. hirsutissima, and B. utilis, three species in Bambusa based on 16 chloroplast genomes.

The complete chloroplast genome of Lagerstroemia loudonii Teijsm. & Binn. (Lythraceae), an ornamental tree with medicinal value.

Lagerstroemia loudonii is an ornamental tree with medicinal value. Here, we announce the first complete chloroplast genome sequence of L. loudonii. The L. loudonii chloroplast genome harbors a typical quadripartite structure with a total length of 152,372 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,086 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 16,798 bp, and two separated inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,744 bp each. The chloroplast genome encodes 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The GC content of the whole chloroplast genome is 37.6%. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete chloroplast genomes of L. loudonii and 17 other plant species revealed that Lagerstroemia is a separate genus, and L. loudonii is closely related to L. calyculata.

A comparative study on photosynthetic characteristics and flavonoid metabolism between Camellia petelotii (Merr.) Sealy and Camellia impressinervis Chang &Liang.

Camellia petelotii (Merr.) Sealy and Camellia impressinervis Chang & Liang belong to the golden subgroup of Camellia (Theaceae). This subgroup contains the yellow-flowering species of the genus, which have high medicinal and ornamental value and a narrow geographical distribution. These species differ in their tolerance to high light intensity. This study aimed to explore the differences in their light-stress responses and light damage repair processes, and the effect of these networks on secondary metabolite synthesis. Two-year-old plants of both species grown at 300 µmol·m-2·s-1 photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were shifted to 700 µmol·m-2·s-1 PAR for 5 days shifting back to 300 µmol·m-2·s-1 PAR for recovery for 5 days. Leaf samples were collected at the start of the experiment and 2 days after each shift. Data analysis included measuring photosynthetic indicators, differential transcriptome expression, and quantifying plant hormones, pigments, and flavonoids. Camellia impressinervis showed a weak ability to recover from photodamage that occurred at 700 µmol·m-2·s-1 compared with C. petelotii. Photodamage led to decreased photosynthesis, as shown by repressed transcript abundance for photosystem II genes psbA, B, C, O, and Q, photosystem I genes psaB, D, E, H, and N, electron transfer genes petE and F, and ATP synthesis genes ATPF1A and ATPF1B. High-light stress caused more severe damage to C. impressinervis, which showed a stronger response to reactive oxygen species than C. petelotii. In addition, high-light stress promoted the growth and development of high zeatin signalling and increased transcript abundance of adenylate dimethylallyl transferase (IPT) and histidine-containing phosphotransferase (AHP). The identification of transcriptional differences in the regulatory networks that respond to high-light stress and activate recovery of light damage in these two rare species adds to the resources available to conserve them and improve their value through molecular breeding.

The complete chloroplast genome of Lagerstroemia balansae, an endangered species of genus Lagerstroemia native to China.

We announce here the first complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lagerstroemia balansae, a plant species with extremely small populations rated the level of EN (Endangered) in China. This complete chloroplast genome is 152316 bp in size. In total, 130 genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes. The result of phylogenetic analysis strongly supported that L. balansae was closely related to L. tomentosa.

The complete chloroplast genome of Tetrastigma planicaule, one important folk medicinal plant in China.

We announce here the first complete chloroplast genome sequence of Tetrastigma planicaule, one important Chinese folk medicinal plant. This complete chloroplast genome is 160,323 bp in length. In total, 131 genes were identified, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The results of phylogenetic analysis indicated that Tetrastigma is a separate genus and is closely related to Vitis.