Combined analyses of microsatellite and RAPD markers demonstrate possible hybridisation between Fraxinus excelsior L. and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl.

Controlled reciprocal crosses were made between the common ash (Fraxirlus excelsior L.) and the narrow-leaved ash (Fraxirzus angustijolia Vahl). An appreciable proportion of hybrids were found among the progenies using microsatellites and RAPD markers. This is the first report of controlled hybridisation between these two ash species. Reliable ways of identifying the possible exchanges in Fr-axitzrrs excelsiorstands or seeds are of great importance for the whole forestry community. Furthermore, results of our contribution open the wide question of gene flow in the natural sympatric areas where the two species coexist.