SSR and cpDNA marker dataset genetic integrity of M.sylvestris in Saxony, Germany

<p><i>Malus sylvestris</i> (Mill.) is the only indigenous wild apple species in Central Europe. Agriculture, forestry and urbanization increasingly endanger <i>Malus sylvestris </i>natural habitats. In addition, the risks of cross-hybridization associated with increase in the cultivation of the domesticated apple <i>Malus ×domestica</i> (Borkh.), threatens the genetic integrity of <i>M. sylvestris</i>.</p> <p>The present study investigated the number of hybrids, genetic diversity and genetic structure of 292 putative <i>M. sylvestris</i> that originate from five different natural <i>M. sylvestris</i> populations in Saxony, Germany. All samples were genetically analyzed using nine nuclear microsatellite markers (ncSSR) and four maternally inherited chloroplast markers (cpDNA) along with 56 apple cultivars commonly cultivated in Saxony.</p> <p>Eighty-seven percent of the wild apple accessions were identified as pure <i>M. sylvestris</i>. The cpDNA analysis showed six private haplotypes for <i>M. sylvestris,</i> whereas three haplotypes were present in <i>M. sylvestris </i>and<i> M. ×domestica.</i> The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) resulted in a moderate (ncSSR) and great (cpDNA) variation among pure <i>M. sylvestris</i> and <i>M. ×domestica </i>individuals indicating a low gene flow between both species. The genetic diversity within the pure <i>M. sylvestris</i> populations was high with a weak genetic structure between the <i>M. sylvestris</i> populations indicating an unrestricted genetic exchange between these <i>M. sylvestris</i> populations.</p> <p>The clear distinguishing of <i>M. sylvestris</i> and <i>M. ×domestica</i> confirms our expectation of the existence of pure <i>M. sylvestris </i>accessions<i> </i>in this area and supports the argument for the implementation of preservation measures to protect the <i>M. sylvestris </i>populations in<i> </i>Saxony. </p>