Genetic characterization of ancient European chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.) assessed through chloroplast DNA sequence and nuclear SSR in Central and Southern Italy. Genetic characterization of ancient European chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Central and Southern Italy

In this study, ancient chestnut trees located in Central-Southern Italy have been genotyped using nuclear SSRs and plastid sequences. Obtained data were compared with wild and cultivated populations growing in the same area. The main goals of this study were to (1) estimate the genetic variability of ancient chestnut individuals collected in southern and central Italy; (2) uncover indications on the grafting practice and domestication of the species happened in the past; (3) compare the ancient genetic resources to the present germplasm; (4) provide hypotheses on the origin of ancient germplasm and speculate on the diffusion of the species.