Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.)

Prunus serotina, with high wildlife value, is a tree with edible fruits that is native to North America. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Prunus serotina (Amygdaleae) was determined through Illumina sequencing method. The complete chloroplast genome of P. serotina was 158,788 bp in length and contained a pair of IR regions (26,294 bp) separated by a small single copy region (18,911 bp) and a large single copy region (82,048 bp). The cp genome of P. serotina encoded 130 genes including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and eight ribosomal RNA genes. The overall GC content of P. serotina cp genome is 36.6%. By phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian method, P. serotina showed the closest relationship with Sohing (Prunus nepalensis). This complete chloroplast genomes can be subsequently used for population genomic studies of P. serotina and provide valuable insight into its in situ and ex situ conservation.