Characterisation of microsatellite loci in Sardinian pears (Pyrus communis L. and P. spinosa Forssk.)

•For the first time, the genetic diversity of Sardinian pears is described.•The Sardinian pear germplasm represents an important resource of genetic diversity.•This approach allowed to identify four sub-group inside Sardinian pear germplasm.•P. communis and P. spinosa underwent to an allelic interchange.•Sardinian pear germplasm could be a resource to be used for new breeding programs.