Chromosome-scale reference genome provides insights into the genetic origin and grafting-mediated stress tolerance of Malus prunifolia

Summary: This study investigated the genetic relationships between wild species and cultivated apples through genome sequencing of 297 Malus accessions. It was found that the hybrid species, including natural and artificial hybrids, are positioned between East and Central Asian wild species, with introgressions from M. sylvestris in cultivated apples being more extensive than those from M. sieversii. Additionally, natural SNP variations indicate that cultivated apples have higher nucleotide diversity than wild species.