Analysis of the chloroplast genome and SNP detection in a salt tolerant breeding line in Korean ginseng

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Panax ginseng breeding line 'G07006', showing higher salt tolerance, was confirmed by de novo assembly using whole genome next-generation sequences. The complete chloroplast (CP) genome size is 156,356 bp, including two inverted repeats (IRs) of 52,060 bp, separated by the large single-copy (LSC 86,174 bp) and the small single-copy (SSC 18,122 bp) regions. One hundred fourteen genes were annotated, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Among them, 18 sites were duplicated in the inverted repeat regions. By comparative analyses of the previously identified CP genome sequences of nine cultivars of P. ginseng and that of G07006, five useful SNPs were defined in this study. Since three of the five SNPs were cultivar-specific to Chunpoong and Sunhyang, they could be easily used for distinguishing from other ginseng accessions. However, on arranging SNPs according to their gene location, the G07006 genotype was 'GTGGA', which was distinct from other accessions. This complete chloroplast DNA sequence could be conducive to discrimination of the line G07006 (salt-tolerant) and further enhancement of the genetic improvement program for this important medicinal plant.