Data from: Anthropogenic and natural drivers of gene flow in a temperate wild fruit tree: a basis for conservation and breeding programs in apples

Gene flow is an essential component of population adaptation and species
evolution. Understanding of the natural and anthropogenic factors
affecting gene flow is also critical for the development of appropriate
management, breeding and conservation programs. Here, we explored the
natural and anthropogenic factors impacting crop-to-wild and within wild
gene flow in apples in Europe using an unprecedented dense sampling of
1,889 wild apple (Malus sylvestris) from European forests and 339 apple
cultivars (Malus domestica). We made use of genetic, environmental and
ecological data (microsatellite markers, apple production across
landscapes and records of apple flower visitors respectively). We provide
the first evidence that both human activities, through apple production,
and human disturbance, through modifications of apple flower visitor
diversity, have had a significant impact on crop-to-wild interspecific
introgression rates. Our analysis also revealed the impact of previous
natural climate change on historical gene flow in the non-introgressed
wild apple M. sylvestris, by identifying five distinct genetic groups in
Europe and a north-south gradient of genetic diversity. These findings
identify human activities and climate as key drivers of gene flow in a
wild temperate fruit tree, and provide a practical basis for conservation,
agroforestry and breeding programs for apples in Europe.