Sequence variation in the rbcL-accD region in the chloroplast genome of Moraceae

To investigate whether the rbcL-accD region from the chloroplast genome would be suitable for phylogenetic studies of Moraceae, we determined 2 kb of the nucleotide sequence for this region in 10 species in the family Moraceae. Genera examined included Morus, Artocarpus, Ficus, Broussonetia and Dorstenia. In the intergenic spacer and accD region, 220 variable sites and 16 indels (insertions and deletions) were found. However, rbcL-accD was highly conserved among Morus species. No difference was found among three Japanese mulberry species, M. alba cv. Minamisakari, M. bombysis cv. Kenmochi and M. latifolia cv. Kokusou 21. Only one polymorphism was found in M. nigra, which is native to West Asia. Possible transfer of the chloroplast genome between Morus species and potential use of the intergenic spacer and accD regions to study phylogenetic relationships within Moraceae are discussed.