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To learn more about the map elements, please download the "Pan-European strategy for genetic conservation of forest trees"
This distribution map has been developed by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (partly based on the EUFORGEN map) and released under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY 4.0)
Caudullo, Giovanni; Welk, Erik; San-Miguel-Ayanz, Jesús (2017). Chorological maps and data for the main European woody species. figshare. Collection. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.2918528
The following experts have contributed to the development of the EUFORGEN distribution maps:
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Research has revealed high variation in morphological traits such as fruit weight, yield, and raceme number, indicating high genetic variation (Ozrenk et al., 2020). Studies show moderate to high genetic diversity and high polymorphism among European populations, with most variation occurring within populations rather than between them, although differentiation exists due to local adaptation and historical dispersal (Yaman, 2022). While some research on the genetics of guelder rose has been carried out, molecular marker studies remain limited but new genus-wide markers now enable more-accurate assessment of the population structure of guelder rose for further research (Hamm et al., 2023).
Guelder rose is insect pollinated, with animal-dispersed seeds. High within-population diversity and moderate between-population differentiation suggests ongoing gene flow between populations but also some barriers to dispersal (Yaman, 2022).
The bibliographic review was conducted by James Chaplin of the EUFORGEN Secretariat in August 2025.
The genus Viburnum is taxonomically complex, with ongoing debate over whether it belongs in Adoxaceae or Viburnaceae, or whether these should be treated as separate families (Hamm et al., 2023). Such uncertainty affects understanding of interspecific relationships, comparative studies, and the interpretation of genetic boundaries within the group.
Guelder rose is cultivated for its nutritional and bioactive fruit, which has distinct biochemical traits important for food processing and human health (Ozrenk et al., 2020). Significant variation in agro-morphological and biochemical characteristics has been documented in guelder rose populations, and wild genotypes with unique traits have been identified for breeding and cultivar development (Ersoy, Ercisli, and Gundogdu, 2017; Ozrenk et al., 2020). In Türkiye, some genotypes show especially high variability in traits, supporting their use in targeted breeding to enhance health-related fruit qualities (Ersoy, Ercisli, and Gundogdu, 2017).
The bibliographic review was conducted by James Chaplin of the EUFORGEN Secretariat in August 2025.
Threats to the genetic diversity of guelder rose in Europe are poorly understood because few studies focus on wild European populations, with most research centred on Turkish material or on commercial uses of the species. Habitat fragmentation, local population declines, and unassessed hybridization pressures may threaten the genetic diversity of the species, but lack of research makes these threats difficult to evaluate. Further research is essential to clarify genetic structure and vulnerability in European wild populations.
Understanding the genetics of wild populations of guelder rose is crucial for conservation and guiding sustainable use. Expanded molecular studies and monitoring are needed to support evidence-based management and to protect genetic diversity.
The bibliographic review was conducted by James Chaplin of the EUFORGEN Secretariat in August 2025.
Further reading
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References
Ersoy, N., Ercisli, S., and Gundogdu, M. 2017. Evaluation of European Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) genotypes for agro-morphological, biochemical and bioactive characteristics in Turkey. Folia Horticulturae, 29(2): 181–188. https://doi.org/10.1515/fhort-2017-0017
Hamm, T.P., Nowicki, M., Boggess, S.L., Ranney, T.G., and Trigiano, R.N. 2023. A set of SSR markers to characterize genetic diversity in all Viburnum species. Scientific Reports, 13(1): 5343. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31878-0
Ozrenk, K., Ilhan, G., Sagbas, H.I., Karatas, N., Ercisli, S., and Colak, A.M. 2020. Characterization of European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) genetic resources in Turkey. Scientia Horticulturae, 273: 109611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109611
Yaman, M. 2022. Determination of genetic diversity in european cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) genotypes based on morphological, phytochemical and ISSR markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 69(5): 1889–1899. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01351-4
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