Hybridization and genetic variation in Danish populations of European crab apple (Malus sylvestris)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic variation in Danish populations of the endangered European crab apple (Malus sylvestris). Special emphasis was given to hybridization between the wild species and its cultivated relative Malus x domestica. A total of 178 wild individuals from four Danish populations were studied along with a reference sample of 29 old cultivars. The genetic variation within and among samples was studied at ten microsatellite marker loci. Additionally, a morphological analysis was carried out to identify hybrids and test for correspondence between phenotypic and genotypic indices of hybridization. From application of ordination and a model-based cluster analysis to the molecular data, two clusters were identified consisting of wild and cultivated individuals, respectively. This indicates that pronounced admixture between the two species is not present. At the population level, a high correspondence was found between geographic isolation from M. x domestica and genotypic and morphological indices of hybridization. As expected, isolated populations appeared less affected by hybridization than poorly isolated populations. Isolated pure M. sylvestris populations could thus be identified. However, morphological and molecular evidences of hybridization were found to be divergent at the individual level. This is suggestive of some historical introgression into the M sylvestris gene pool and indicates that relying exclusively on either morphological or molecular characters as diagnostic markers in studies of hybridization between M x domestica and M sylvestris might lead to fallible results. Combined application of genetic and morphological markers is therefore recommended.