Complete chloroplast genomes of Chinese wild-growing Vitis species: molecular structures and comparative and adaptive radiation analysis

As a basalmost family of Vitaceae, Chinese wild Vitis species offer key insights into the demographic history of grapes. In this study, we obtained 10 complete chloroplast (cp) genomes from Chinese wild-growing Vitis species based on our whole genome re-sequencing data. These chloroplast genomes ranged from 160,838 to 232,020 bp in size and exhibited typical quadripartite structures. Comparative analyses revealed that inverted repeat (IR) regions are especially abundant and contribute to cp genome arrangements. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole Vitis cp genomes supported three clearly partitioned main origins, in keeping with their geographic distributions, among which East Asian species from China were found to be sister species with Eurasian Vitis species but exhibited significant divergence from the North American group. Two well-supported subgroups were observed within the Chinese wild-growing Vitis species. Among these species, Vitis piasezkii and Vitis betulifolia were closely related species, exhibiting a support rate of 100%. The molecular clock-based divergence time suggested that the earliest split subspecies was Vitis pseudoreticulata, which further indicated that the origin and initial gene pool are located in southern China (the habitat of V. pseudoreticulata is located in the region). Coincidentally, the divergence time was during the Pleistocene period (2.6-0.1 Ma). Due to glacial/interglacial temperature fluctuations, cold-adapted subspecies, e.g., Vitis amurensis, could re-colonize new habitats. Our results may help to elucidate the adaptive radiation of Chinese wild Vitis species in different environments.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of Chinese wild Vitis species, revealing distinct evolutionary histories and geographic origins among East Asian, Eurasian, and North American species. Molecular clock analysis indicated a possible origin of Vitis species and gene pool in southern China during the Pleistocene period, with cold-adapted subspecies able to colonize new habitats due to climate fluctuations. These findings shed light on the adaptive radiation of Chinese wild Vitis species in diverse environments.