Genetic Diversity of European Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Istria and Primorsko-Goranska County (Croatia)

European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is widespread in Croatia at medium-high altitudes and in sites with acidic soils that are not suitable for growing other fruit species. Chestnut mostly grows in forest with Fagales species, as beech and oak trees. Croatia is one of the few countries in the Mediterranean area without commercial chestnut orchards. Most of the plants are placed in small private germplasm repositories, and it is unknown which plant material was used for grafting, or how many different genotypes are present. The aim of this research was to characterize by microsatellite markers (Simple Sequence Repeats, SSRs) the genetic diversity of chestnut trees grown in the Istria County and the Primorsko-goranska County. The study was performed on leaf samples picked up in 17 different sites and using 10 nuclear microsatellite markers. DNA analysis was successfully used in this study for the genetic identification of the genotypes. The results showed a significant genetic variability of Croatian germplasm. These preliminary data are very important for further research steps in order to avoid loss of potentially useful germplasm and preserve the local biodiversity resources, starting with genetic identification of Croatian germplasm.