Evaluation of genetic variability in Crataegus ×macrocarpa using ISSR markers for the selection of high-value forms for breeding purposes

Hawthorns (Crataegus L., Rosaceae) possess numerous health-promoting and medicinal properties affecting the circulatory system, and they are widely used in the prevention of coronary heart disease, cardiac disorders, and in the stabilization of blood pressure. High morphological variability and the presence of many spontaneous hybrids make it necessary to evaluate such diverse plant material from a genetic perspective. The study aimed to preliminarily assess the differentiation of native hawthorns in Poland using ISSR markers on samples obtained from the collection of the Garden of Medicinal Plants in Plewiska near Poznań (Western Poland, INF&MP-NRI). In this work, we present our findings on the natural hybrid Crataegus ×macrocarpa Hegetschw., which is considered suitable for cultivation due to its large fruits. Molecular analysis enabled the generation of both monomorphic and polymorphic bands using 11 primers. Genotypes exhibiting high variability were identified, with a polymorphism index ranging from 50 to 75%. These results provide a basis for the identification of species-specific genetic markers and will facilitate the selection of forms with favourable yield-related traits for further breeding and cultivation of hawthorns.

This research was funded by the National Science Centre (NCN), Poland, under the grant entitled ‘Evaluation of phenotypic and genotypic variability of native hawthorn towards the selection of forms with high value of herbal raw material’ (MINIATURA 9, project no. 2025/09/X/NZ8/00209).