Status of ex-situ CWR collections and dataset of the identified CWR hotspots and document on the in-situ sampling design. Leaf samples and metadata collected for the selected populations

This is the Report on the Milestone regarding the in-situ sampling design, the status of ex-situ CWR collections, the leaf sampling achieved and associated metadata collected of the project., linked to WP1 (CWR inventory and knowledge). Task 1.1 of this initiative focuses on conducting surveys and inventorying European ex-situ Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) collections for select wild Prunus, Malus, and Pyrus species. Public institutions, NGOs, private collections, and arboreta across Europe are being systematically surveyed to gather and update inventories, creating a comprehensive database. The survey, facilitated by project partnerships and stakeholders, includes collecting passport data, accession identifiers, and establishing connections with non-EU State Members and overseas Institutes. The effort involves elaborating a harmonized Passport Data Descriptor Template based on existing models like EURISCO and MIAPPE, ensuring alignment with mandatory descriptors for the GDR database. Collaborative coordination meetings led to template refinement, webinar sessions for data entry guidance, and the integration of task models. Partners are loading data into designated directories with specific templates, utilizing a web-based 'Validator' tool for data validation. Progress updates and loaded data are available for reference, enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the collection process. CWR diversity hotspots (T1.2) have been identified based on literature surveys of genetic data and presence of natural populations in biodiversity hotspots. The sampling design has considered the set criteria. Care was taken to exclude the populations already analysed from existing collections or other projects. Sampling from taxa Malus, Pyrus, Cerasus, Prunophora and Amygdalus takes place in 14 countries and includes the collection of leaves and where available seeds. A detailed SAMPLIG Protocol has been developed. It includes a protocol for metadata inventory for: site passport data collection, a protocol for leaf sampling for DNA extraction and protocols for fruit/seed collection and storage. Regarding the species of wide distribution of the six taxa 12-21 populations have been selected and marked for sampling (minimum of 20 trees per population). In total, 8-16 such populations per species have already been sampled and 2-5 populations per species are still to be sampled. The sampling effort so far reflects the selection of 119 populations that have been identified and out of which 96 have already been sampled.