Morpho-molecular characterization and genetic diversity analysis across wild apple (Malus baccata) accessions using simple sequence repeat markers

•The 29 Malus baccata wild apple accessions were used to divulge their genetic diversity using morpho-molecular markers.•Based on morphological characters, Mahalanobis D2 statistics resolved all accessions in four clusters.•Population structure differentiated the 29 accessions into two populations, with sub-population i accounts for 18 accessions and sub-population II consisted of only 9 accessions.•The morpho-molecular markers revealed significant level of genetic diversity along with population differentiation among the maintained accessions.