A contribution to the systematics of the genus Tilia with respect to some hybrids by RAPD analysis

The putative hybrid character of two Tilia varieties selected as avenue trees (‘Szent Istvan’ and‘K3’) should be clarified for further breeding activities. Their ancestor species should be identified by a genetic comparison with reference material (Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos, T. dasystyla, T. × euchlora, T. × europaea and others). RAPD marker data were evaluated by UPGMA cluster and neighbour-joining analysis. The genetic comparison of the two selected clones with the collection of reference material offers insights into some systematic relationships within the genus Tilia. It was supplemented by a critical discussion of methods of RAPD data evaluation for taxonomic purposes.