Abstract
A traditional Italian sweet pepper landrace, ‘Peperone di Voghera’, which faced the risk of extinction, was analyzed for its genetic, phenological, morphological, agronomic and biochemical traits. An extant population was compared with cultivars ‘Quadrato d’Asti’, ‘Cuneo’, and ‘Giallo d’Asti’, cultivated in the same area, in order to evaluate the chance of the landrace recovery. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis demonstrated that Voghera landrace is distinct with respect to reference cultivars, thus excluding extensive genetic contamination and providing a molecular basis of both phenological and biochemical differences. Leaf chlorophyll content is lower, fruits start ripening earlier than controls, and yield (1100-1300 g plant-1) does not significantly differ. Sensitivity to root pathogens, the main factor that led to the decline in the past, does not seem to compromise the future chance of recovery. Vitamin C concentration is high (200-240 mg/100 g) and preserved by cold storage; more than 25% of vitamin C is also kept in pickled fruits. ‘Voghera’ landrace has nutritional and gastronomic properties that can be appreciated by consumers. The high internal genetic variability shown by AFLP analysis indicates that future selection work is necessary to fully maintain the original traits of the landrace and to improve it.
Highlights
Genetic variability coming from landraces is important for both the conservation of biodiversity and the improvement of commercial cultivars (Oyama et al, 2006; Fideghelli & Engel, 2009)
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis demonstrated that Voghera landrace is distinct with respect to reference cultivars, excluding extensive genetic contamination and providing a molecular basis of both phenological and biochemical differences
Vitamin C concentration is high (200-240 mg/100 g) and preserved by cold storage; more than 25% of vitamin C is kept in pickled fruits
Summary
Genetic variability coming from landraces is important for both the conservation of biodiversity and the improvement of commercial cultivars (Oyama et al, 2006; Fideghelli & Engel, 2009). Genetic diversity is strictly related to specific different cultivation methods and local traditions (Frankel et al, 1995) which are part of the heritage of history and culture (Sereni, 1979; Santiago et al, 2008). In Italy the variety of climatic, environmental and cultural conditions favoured the selection of a large number of local crops. Selection, genetic isolation, breeding and a widespread diffusion favoured the production of a large amount of Italian bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivars and local landraces (Garcia et al, 2002; Bonelli et al, 2006)
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