Morphological characterization of 23 Malus domestica Borkh cultivars from central Spain

The purpose of this work was to morphologically characterize an apple tree collection composed 67 individuals from 41 accessions belonging 23 old Spanish cultivars (Malus domestica Borkh) alongside 9 reference cultivars. studied germplasm collected previously in rural areas central Spain (Sierra Norte de Madrid and Tagus river basin) it analyzed through descriptors mainly IBPGR UPOV. We found a very high morphological diversity the cultivars, as 48% (most them devoted fruit traits) were significantly different between types In addition, sample resulted clearly distinct multivariate analysis. general, no particular structure but strong differentiation ‘Agridulce’ ‘Hojancas’ is reported due their bigger fruits. Our results support molecular analysis call for further local long-term conservation actions.