In situ conservation of Helosciadium nodiflorum: a crop wild relative of celery in Germany

Abstract Crop wild relatives (CWR) represent valuable sources of traits that can enhance the abiotic and biotic stress tolerance crops. Due to climate change expansion land use, they may suffer from population decline, which increases risk losing these resources. The in situ conservation CWR is receiving growing attention preserve their intraspecific diversity. In contrast safeguarding seeds ex situ, preservation taxa natural habitat facilitates development new adaptations changing environmental conditions. However, studies aiming at establishment are rare. Therefore, we identified genotyped Helosciadium nodiflorum occurrences Germany. an endangered cultivated celery ( Apium graveolens ). For 20 number individuals, sexually reproducing potential threats were recorded. Genetic differences examined using 17 newly developed simple sequence repeats (SSR). Population genetic analyses, like inference compositional differentiation, structure, a Discriminant Analysis Principal Components conducted. analyses revealed most genetically distinct. Geographically closely located populations often also more similar. Several composite genome indicative hybridizations between distinct populations. Populations experienced fixation identified. Based on diversity, location different ecogeographic units, support local stakeholders, recommend 15 reserves for H.