Crataegus laevigata and C. monogyna sequences for SSRs development
Three Central European Crataegus species with natural occurance were investigated. C. monogyna and C. laevigata are predominantly diploid sexuals, while C. rhipidophylla is mainly polyploid with apomictic reproduction. These species hybridize in sympatry, resulting in hybrids such as C. x media (C. monogyna x C. laevigata), C. x macrocarpa (C. rhipidophylla x C. laevigata), and C. x subsphaerica (C. monogyna x C. rhipidophylla). The vast morphological variability makes it challenging to identify these taxa. To assess the relative contribution of hybridization, polyploidy and apomixis in shaping Central European Crataegi diversity, we collected leaves and fruits from 10 natural populations in areas where all three species coexist. We genotyped the mixed populations using nuclear microsatellites (SSRs) developed from High-throughput Sequencing and we estimated their ploidy levels using flow cytometry (FCM). A part of the study is also screening the seeds for the reproduction mode assessment (FCSS), and measuring of the morphological traits of leaves and fruits.