The complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Solanum carolinense Linnaeus (Solanaceae)
Solanum carolinense Linnaeus belongs to the family Solanaceae and is a perennial herb or subshrub. S. carolinense has become naturalized in Korea as an invasive species, forming a stable population that has grown naturally with native plants for more than 10 years. However, its chloroplast genome structure and complete sequence have not yet been reported. Therefore, we determined the complete chloroplast genome sequence of S. carolinense through genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation. The total length of the chloroplast genome is 158,971 bp with a GC content of 37.7%. It featured a quadripartite structure (a large single-copy region, 89,816 bp; a small single-copy region, 18,459 bp; two inverted repeat regions, 25,348 bp each). It contains 130 genes, including 84 coding DNA sequences, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 1 pseudogene. Phylogenetic analysis of 78 coding DNA sequences (CDSs) showed S. carolinense closely related to S. aridum Morong and S. hieronymi Kuntze. Our results provide a molecular basis for phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of the genus Solanum, while also offering fundamental genetic data on the chloroplast genome of S. carolinense, which will contribute to applied research such as phylogenetic relationships, invasion biology, and conservation.