Chloroplast Genome Evolution, Heteroplasmy, and Inverted Repeat Dynamics in the Elymus Complex (Triticeae, Poaceae): Insights from Single-Molecule Sequencing of Elymus ciliaris and Comparative Analysis of St-Genome Lineages

Abstract Background/Objectives Elymus sensu lato (Poaceae) is arguably the largest and most complex genus in the tribe Triticeae. It includes hybrids and polyploids based on x=7 chromosomes, all including the St genome, forming a valuable genepool for forage grass and cereal breeding. Analysis of chloroplast genome diversity and structural dynamics is critical for resolving maternal lineages, reti…