Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Agave sp. (Asparagales: Asparagaceae: Agavoideae) and its phylogenetic analysis

Genus Agave is one of the most diverse and complex group of the family Asparagaceae, originates from the Americas (with Mexico as its native range) and holds significant economic value as a widely distributed crop. However, the systematic phylogenetic relationship of this group is still controversial. In this study, we successfully sequenced, assembled, and annotated the chloroplast genome of Agave sp. The result showed: 1) The chloroplast genome of Agave sp. was 157,489bp in length with a GC content of 38.57%. It consisted of a large single-copy region (LSC, 86,018 bp), a pair of inverted repeat regions (IR, 26,612bp), and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,247bp). In addition, the chloroplast genome of Agave sp. contains a total of 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. 2) phylogenetic analysis of Asparagaceae indicate that the genera Yucca and Hosta each form a distinct monophyletic clade, clustering independently on separate branches. Agave sp. shows a close evolutionary relationship with Agave attenuata , forming a sister group. Furthermore, our phylogenetic tree provides support for the taxonomic classification of Agave sensu lato . This study enriches the genomic data of Agave and offers crucial reference information for subsequent research on the evolutionary history, taxonomic classification, and resource utilization of the Asparagaceae family.