Abstract
Conservation of agrobiodiversity is a major concern worldwide. Several strategies have been designed and programmed to reduce biodiversity erosion due to anthropic and non-anthropic causes. To this end, we set up a multidisciplinary approach based on the genetic analysis of selected cultivars and recognition of the environmental parameters. We genotyped the sweet cherry cultivars of Campania region in southern Italy by using simple sequence repeats and further investigated them by cluster analysis, disclosing a homogeneous genetic constitution, different from that of commercial accessions. By structure analysis we identified three distinct genetic clusters, each characterized by common and distinct alleles. Survey of the cultivars’ geographical distribution by quartic kernel function identified four preferred districts further characterized for soil origin, pedologic, agronomic features and urbanization impact. We correlated these environmental parameters, typical of the identified areas, with the three genetic pools and found a statistically significant association for each cluster. When we overlaid the cultivation traditions and cultural heritage, we found they have a dominant role; on these premises, we generated new territorial maps. In conclusion, we propose a novel methodological approach based on molecular, geo-pedological and cultural parameters with the aim to recognize biocultural refugia and preserve endangered or valuable cultivars.
Highlights
Agro-biodiversity is characterized by the interplay of “natural resources” with the micro-environment, management and agricultural practices
We analysed the genetic characteristics of several Campania sweet cherry cultivars and correlated these data with local territory features and urban settlements to generate a novel type of environmental map that could help in reducing the risk of extinction and preserving these habitats as “niche” or “biocultural refugia”[25,26,27]
We carried out cluster analysis on the whole population to investigate the discrimination power of our Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) genetic markers and found an interesting differentiation by studying the tri-distance matrix of genetic Euclidean similarity by Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) (Fig. 1a)
Summary
Agro-biodiversity is characterized by the interplay of “natural resources” with the micro-environment, management and agricultural practices. Traditional cultivars, have been reported to have a reduced, if any, market value and relegated to a marginal role; it could be argued, instead, that their absolute value is much higher than the sole monetary one[4] In line with this reasoning, numerous international institutions and individual countries have developed a conservation-oriented strategy that involves the recognition, identification and conservation of traditional endangered varieties[8,9]. Campania displays very diversified environmental and phytoclimatic characteristics that contribute to the formation of particular agro-pedo-environmental contexts so to permit specialized and selected cultivation traditions It is clear, that the combination of such a diversity and traditions has produced over the centuries many specialties with a high degree of biodiversity. We analysed the genetic characteristics of several Campania sweet cherry cultivars and correlated these data with local territory features and urban settlements to generate a novel type of environmental map that could help in reducing the risk of extinction and preserving these habitats as “niche” or “biocultural refugia”[25,26,27]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
