Articles
COLLECTION OF ARTICHOKE GERMPLASM FROM DIFFERENT MEDITERRANEAN REGIONS
Article number
942_11
Pages
103 – 108
Language
English
Abstract
Local horticultural varieties represent a source of genetic variability to be protected and exploited.
In most cases these varieties are at high risk of extinction due to the diffusion of new varieties that better respond to market demand.
In the last twenty years, variety replacement has involved the artichoke to a lesser extent compared to other horticultural species.
In fact, local ecotypes predominate in the main Italian cultivation areas, despite diffusion of selected clones has determined a strong reduction in genetic variability.
To diversify and adapt the offer to the needs of new market policies, varieties that were typical of different production areas were introduced, giving rise to a high risk of genetic erosion of the original ecotypes Starting from the 1970s, AGRIS has conserved and expanded a collection of artichoke varieties from different Mediterranean regions, recognizing the importance of conserving germplasm in maintaining a source of genetic variability for the improvement and selection of new varieties.
Nowadays the collection has 101 ecotypes subdivided into late and early varieties, classified according to the main varieties: Catanese, Spinoso, Romanesco, Violetto di Toscana, Macau, Violetto di Provenza and other lesser types.
The collection has been reproduced by in vitro technique with the purpose of increasing the availability of mother plants and improving vigour and productivity.
Some of these varieties and some of selected clones obtained from spontaneous crossbreeding have been found to be suitable for food industry and will be further evaluated from the agronomic and technological standpoints.
The collection represents an important source of genetic variability to be included in programs aimed to the improvement of the Spinoso Sardo, the most widespread Sardinian artichoke variety.
In most cases these varieties are at high risk of extinction due to the diffusion of new varieties that better respond to market demand.
In the last twenty years, variety replacement has involved the artichoke to a lesser extent compared to other horticultural species.
In fact, local ecotypes predominate in the main Italian cultivation areas, despite diffusion of selected clones has determined a strong reduction in genetic variability.
To diversify and adapt the offer to the needs of new market policies, varieties that were typical of different production areas were introduced, giving rise to a high risk of genetic erosion of the original ecotypes Starting from the 1970s, AGRIS has conserved and expanded a collection of artichoke varieties from different Mediterranean regions, recognizing the importance of conserving germplasm in maintaining a source of genetic variability for the improvement and selection of new varieties.
Nowadays the collection has 101 ecotypes subdivided into late and early varieties, classified according to the main varieties: Catanese, Spinoso, Romanesco, Violetto di Toscana, Macau, Violetto di Provenza and other lesser types.
The collection has been reproduced by in vitro technique with the purpose of increasing the availability of mother plants and improving vigour and productivity.
Some of these varieties and some of selected clones obtained from spontaneous crossbreeding have been found to be suitable for food industry and will be further evaluated from the agronomic and technological standpoints.
The collection represents an important source of genetic variability to be included in programs aimed to the improvement of the Spinoso Sardo, the most widespread Sardinian artichoke variety.
Authors
M. Cadinu, L. Baghino, G. Mallica, A.B. Pisanu, A. Repetto, A.M. Tatti , M. Muntoni
Keywords
Sardinia, artichoke, germplasm
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