Novel characterization of crop wild relative and

landrace resources as a basis for improved crop

breeding’

ISSN: 2281-2067 (Online) http://www.pgrsecure.org/

Landraces
PGR Secure – EU Seventh Framework Programme, THEME KBBE.2010.1.1-03, GA 266394

Issue 1 October 2012

Conserving Europe’s plant genetic resources

for use now and in the future
2

Landraces
Issue 1 October 2012

Editorial …………………………….………………………………………………………………...……...3

PGR Secure: enhanced use of traits from crop wild relatives and landraces
to help adapt crops to climate change N. Maxted and S. Kell …….…… ………….……....…..4

PGR Secure Work package 4 ‘Landrace conservation’: introduction and

present achievements V. Negri and N. Maxted …………………………………….……………...….8

Conservation strategies for European crop wild relative and landrace diversity:
a joint PGR Secure/ECPGR workshop V. Negri and R. Torricelli...………..…………........….…..10

Towards an Italian inventory of landrace diversity V. Negri ………..…………...…….......……..14

Towards a UK inventory of landrace diversity N. Maxted and S. Kell …………….…..…….…...16

Ongoing inventory on landrace potato onions in Finland M. Heinonen
and K. Antonius…………………………………………………………………………………….....….…18

On-farm Conservation of Cereal and Legume Landraces in the North West

Transitional Region of Turkey A. Tan …………………………………….………………….….…....19

Collection, regeneration, morphological characterization and conservation

of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) landraces in Turkey A. Kir and A. Tan ……....……...……..20

Phenotypic and qualitative evaluation of field bean landraces in Central Italy

R. Torricelli, M. Pauselli, E. Cestola, M. Falcinelli .………………………………………………...…...21

Maize traditional landraces in Portugal: Past, Present or Future?

P. Mendes-Moreira and M. C. Vaz Patto…..………………….……………...…………..…………......23
Editors:
Valeria Negri In situ maintenance of the Muchamiel tomato landrace in the town of Muchamiel
Renzo Torricelli
(Alicante, Spain) J.J. Ruiz, S. García-Martínez, A. Alonso, F. Rubio, A. Grau. ………..…………..26
Nigel Maxted
Biodiversity of Vegetables for the Public W. Palme……………………………...……………..….27
Design: Shelagh Kell and
Renzo Torricelli
Genetic resources and prospects for the use of fruit crops in the Azerbaijan
Layout: Renzo Torricelli M.K. Musayev and Z..I .Akparov ………………………………..………………………………….…...28

Front cover: LR resources………………………………………………………………………………………..……...31

Renato Cicchetti: a farmer
who saved a emmer
(Triticum dicoccon Schrank)
Correspondence address:
landrace in Central Italy
Valeria Negri Department of Applied Biology, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74,
06121 Perugia , Italy, e-mail: vnegri@unipg.it

Copyright © University of Perugia 2012. All rights reserved. The University of Perugia edits and
publishes Landraces on behalf of the ‘Novel characterization of crop wild relative and landrace
resources as a basis for improved crop breeding’ (PGR Secure) project. PGR Secure is funded by the
EU Seventh Framework Programme, THEME KBBE.2010.1.1-03

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 3

W elcome to Issue 1 of Landraces. This inaugural newsletter is brought to you by the European Community
funded project, “Novel characterization of crop wild relative and landrace resources as a basis for
improved crop breeding” (PGR Secure, GA n. 266394 ) which commenced on 1st March 2011. Landraces provides a
medium to publicise information about the conservation and use of crop landraces; including an introduction and
updates on the activities of PGR Secure but also more general articles on landraces conservation and use. We
anticipate that anyone with an interest in landraces, whether conservationist, breeder, farmer, policy-maker or
educator will benefit from this publication, both by spreading news about their own activities and by learning about
other initiatives.
This introductory issue provides information about the aims and objectives of PGR Secure, explaining the rationale for
the initiation of the project. It serves to highlight the importance of landraces as vital ecosystem components, as a
resource for food and agriculture and for their cultural values, as well as a critical resource for the improvement of
crops. You can read an article regarding how to enhance the use of traits from crop wild relatives and landraces to
help adapt crops to climate change. In the following articles more detailed information about the activities of the
project are reported. They include: information on the aims and present achievements of the PGR Secure Work
package 4 which is specifically dedicated to the conservation of landraces in Europe, a brief report about the issues
considered during the joint PGR Secure/ECPGR workshop, the present achievements in compiling the Italian, UK and
Finnish inventories of landraces. Finally, some contributions on landraces from several European countries (Turkey,
Italy, Portugal, Spain, Austria and Azerbaijan) are reported. Note future editions will contain articles on landraces
from other Regions of the world as well.

Above: Phenotipic variation in Italian landraces of Phaseolus vulgaris (Photo: Angela Rosa Piergiovanni)

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

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PGR Secure: enhanced use of traits from crop wild relatives

and landraces to help adapt crops to climate change
N. Maxted and S. Kell

School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. E-mail: s.kell@bham.ac.uk

Our food depends on the continued availability of novel sources of genes to breed new varieties of crops which will
thrive in the rapidly evolving agri-environmental conditions we are now faced with as a result of climate change. Wild
plant species closely related to crops (crop wild relatives) and traditional, locally adapted crop varieties (landraces)
contain vital sources of such genes, yet these resources are themselves threatened by the effects of climate change, as
well as by a range of other human-induced pressures and socio-economic changes. Further, while the value of crop
wild relatives and landraces for food security is widely recognized, there is a lack of knowledge about the diversity
that exists and precisely how that diversity may be used for crop improvement. PGR Secure aims to address these
issues by: a) developing fast and economic methods to identify and make available genetic material that can be used
by plant breeders to confer resistance to new strains of pests and diseases and tolerance to extreme environmental
conditions such as drought, flooding and heat stress—the biotic and abiotic pressures which are rapidly evolving and
having an increasingly detrimental effect on crop productivity; and b) developing a Europe-wide systematic strategy
for the conservation of the highest priority crop wild relative and landrace resources to secure the genetic diversity
needed for crop improvement.
Read on to learn more about the project.

PGR Secure context: a call for a step change in

agrobiodiversity conservation and use

The EC Biodiversity Action Plan for Agriculture (www.epbrs.org/

PDF/EPBRS-IR2004-BAP%20Agriculture.pdf) highlighted the
need for a step change in crop cultivar production in Europe
because of rapidly changing consumer demands and the need
to ensure food security across the continent; particularly in the
light of the impacts of climate change. If these requirements are
to be met, plant breeders need a broader pool of diversità to
supply the necessary range of mitigating traits, as well as
greater efficiency in characterization and evaluation techniques
to locate the desired traits. The Action Plan also argued that
maintaining the status quo for agrobiodiversity conservation and
Above: Medicago falcata (Photo: Pavol Eliás)
use is no longer tenable and that a step change in systematic
conservation and use is required. The two major components of
agrobiodiversity that offer the broadest range of diversity for there is currently a gap between their conservation and use
breeders are crop wild relatives (CWR) and landraces (LR), but and they remain under-exploited by the user community. In
order to meet the needs of future generations, there are five
key areas that need to be addressed:

1. Climate change mitigation ‒ The adverse impacts of

climate change (such as extreme weather events) on
patterns of crop diversity and local cultivar adaptation are
predicted to have a negative impact on crop yields. Breeders
will be increasingly required to take adaptive action—
breeding for example novel drought, pest and disease
resistant cultivars—which will require extensive screening of
genetic resources and use of adaptive traits in breeding
resistant cultivars.

2. Limited success of traditional characterization to meet

breeders’ needs - Traditional phenotypic characterization
Above: Sugar beet, Beta vulgaris (Photo: Strube Research GmbH & and evaluation using field trials is resource intensive—thus,
Co KG)

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 5
the vast majority of conserved CWR and LR accessions
remain uncharacterized and as a direct result largely
unutilized. Novel approaches to characterization and
evaluation beyond those previously applied are required to
extend the use of CWR and LR diversity.

3. Lack of systematic CWR and LR conservation ‒

Within European ex situ germplasm collections, only a very
small percentage of germplasm holdings are CWR species
and these are not a representative sample of the genetic
diversity found in European wild populations. Although the
numbers of gene bank holdings of LR are undoubtedly
greater, without an inventory or conservation strategy it is
unknown if these holdings truly reflect the diversity still
maintained by farmers today in Europe. There is also
currently no active in situ conservation of CWR in Europe Above: Avena sterilis subsp. ludoviciana (Photo: Richard Lia)
as these species tend to fall between the priorities of the
plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA)
conservation and nature conservation communities. Better of the highest priority CWR species in Europe are
systematic CWR and LR conservation and promoting their threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or
availability means that greater adaptive diversity could be Vulnerable) or Near Threatened (http://ec.europa.eu/
made available to breeders. environment/nature/conser vation/species/redlist/
downloads/European_vascular_plants.pdf); however, the
4. Threats facing CWR and LR diversity ‒ Worldwide, threat to genetic diversity is even greater, meaning that
biodiversity is under severe threat from a range of the pool of locally adapted diversity required by breeders
deleterious factors (e.g., habitat destruction, degradation is decreasing. Landraces are under threat from
and fragmentation, over-exploitation, invasive alien species agricultural intensification, market failure and socio-
and changes in land management), but in the medium to economic change. It is more difficult to quantify the loss of
long term climate change is predicted to be a degree of LR diversity because we do not yet have a comprehensive
magnitude more catastrophic in terms of loss of species and inventory of the diversity that exists; however, it is likely
genetic diversity. Recent research shows that at least 16 % that LR are an even more threatened resource than CWR.

5. Lack of plant genetic resource informatics

cohesion ‒ In recent years there has been significant
informatics development within the European PGRFA
community. The European Cooperative Programme
for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR ‒
www.ecpgr.cgiar.org) crop networks developed the
European Central Crop Databases (ECCDB ‒
www.ecpgr.cgiar.org/germplasm_databases.html) that
contain accession passport, characterization and
evaluation data for major crop collections; the ECPGR
Documentation and Information Network through the
FP5 consortium EPGRIS developed the EURISCO web
catalogue of European gene bank holdings (http://
eurisco.ecpgr.org/); and the ECPGR In Situ and On-
farm Conservation Network (www.ecpgr.cgiar.org/
networks/in_situ_and_on_farm.html) t h r o u g h t h e FP5
c o n s o r t i u m PGR F o r u m (www.pgrforum.org)
created the Crop Wild Relative Catalogue for Europe and
the Mediterranean (accessible via the Crop Wild Relative
Information System, CWRIS ‒ www.pgrforum.org/cwris/
cwris.asp) containing a nomenclatural checklist and
occurrence data for European CWR species. However,
each system currently stands alone and there is a need to
link these systems into one comprehensive information
portal for European PGRFA. Furthermore, vast quantities
of data on gene sequences are continually expanding in
world databases and transcriptomic information is close
behind. Effective CWR and LR diversity conservation and
use requires advanced informatic techniques to join up all
these information systems and the data they contain.

Above: Peter Brinch, maintainer of landrace beetroot 'Cheltenham

Green Top’ (Photo: Pupak Haghighi-Brinch)

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

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Box 1 PGR Secure work packages

Work package 1 – Phenomics, genomics and transcriptomics
• Demonstrate how novel phenomics, genomics and transcriptomics tools can be used to speed up plant breeding
• Insect resistance in brassica crops as a case study
Work package 2 – Informatics
• Produce a web-based Trait Information Portal (TIP) to provide access to CWR and LR trait data
• Predictive characterization (using FIGS) to identify populations of CWR and LR with adaptive traits for pest and disease
resistance and tolerance to environmental conditions (Avena, Beta, Brassica and Medicago as case studies)
Work package 3 – Crop wild relative conservation
• Produce national and Europe-wide CWR inventories
• National CWR conservation strategy case studies for the UK, Finland, Italy and Spain
• Develop a European CWR conservation strategy for priority crop gene pools
• Produce a generic European CWR conservation strategy combining the regional and national approaches
Work package 4 – Landrace conservation
• Gain an understanding of the diversity of European LR and their present conservation status
• Develop a systematic European LR conservation strategy to promote their use by breeders and by local communities and
farmers
Work package 5 – Engaging the user community
• Promote the use of CWR and LR in Europe
• Consultation with stakeholders (gene bank managers, breeding companies, public research bodies, NGOs), SWOT
analysis to identify constraints in CWR and LR use
• Promote the flow of pre-breeding material and information gained in the project to stakeholders
Work package 6 – Dissemination and training
• Website, web-enabled inventories, TIP, publications, workshops, dissemination conference
Work package 7 – Project management

PGR Secure: answering the call

PGR Secure is a collaborative project funded under the EU’s Framework
7 Programme and aims to address the issues outlined above by
advancing CWR and LR diversity conservation and use. The goals of
PGR Secure are to a) research novel characterization techniques for
CWR and LR, b) develop conservation strategies for European CWR
and LR diversity, and c) to enhance crop improvement by breeders as a
means of underpinning European food security in the face of climate
change. To achieve these goals PGR Secure has four research themes: 1)
novel characterization techniques, 2) CWR and LR conservation, 3)
improved use of CWR and LR by breeders, and 4) informatics (Fig. 1).
Themes 1 and 3 address how to improve breeders’ use of conserved
CWR and LR diversity by applying novel characterization techniques
such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, high-throughput
phenotyping and GIS-based predictive characterization, as well as
clarifying through dialogue exactly what breeders need to bridge the
conservation–use gap and facilitating the flow of selected material and
knowledge from the project to the breeder community. Theme 2
enhances CWR and LR species and genetic diversity conservation
through development of CWR and LR inventories and systematic
conservation strategies, while Theme 4 addresses the management and
provision of access to CWR and LR trait and conservation information.

The project is implemented through seven work packages (WPs) (Box

1).

Figure 1 Schematic diagram of interrelated PGR Secure

project themes

Above: Sugar beet, Beta vulgaris (Photo: Strube Research GmbH & Co KG)

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 7

Stakeholders in the project are Europe-wide and

include: a) small and large plant breeding companies;
b) scientists and
policy-makers in public and private research institutes;
c) farmers and others working in the agricultural sector;
d) plant gene banks, protected areas and the broader
conservation community; e) government agencies and
non-governmental organizations involved in plant
Array machine and plate arrays (Photo: Sean May) conservation, plant breeding and national or local
nutrition and food supply issues; and f) the European
The expected impacts of these actions are: Commission.

 Enhanced techniques to identify useful adaptive traits and to For further information, please visit the project website:
accelerate plant breeding; www.pgrsecure.org or contact the Project Manager,
s.kell@bham.ac.uk.
 Better access to and wider take-up of CWR and LR
resources in plant breeding programmes;
 Increased capacity and options for crop improvement to
support European farming;
 Improved conservation of European CWR and LR resources; Box 2 The 11 partner institutes forming the PGR Secure
 Provision of a resource base and tools to back-stop food Consortium
security in Europe;
1. The University of Birmingham, UK (Coordinator)
 Enablement of coherent planning of plant breeding and
agrobiodiversity conservation policy in Europe.
2. Wageningen UR Plant Breeding and Centre for Genetic
Resources, The Netherlands
Who is involved?
3. Bioversity International
The PGRFA user community in Europe is diverse; ranging from
breeding companies, public research institutes, gene banks, non-
4. The University of Perugia, Italy
governmental organizations (NGOs), universities and farmers; but it
is use by plant breeders that has potentially the greatest economic
5. Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for
and social benefit in Europe. FAO’s Second Report on the State of
Cultivated Plants, Germany
the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
(www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/core-themes/theme/seeds-pgr/sow/
6. NordGen, Sweden
sow2/en/) highlights that “Considerable opportunities exist for
strengthening cooperation among those involved in the conservation
7. MTT Agrifood Research, Finland
and sustainable use of PGRFA, at all stages of the seed and food
chain. Stronger links are needed, especially between plant breeders
8. The University of King Juan Carlos, Spain
and those involved in the seed system, as well as between the
public and private sectors”. The PGR Secure project seeks to
9. ServiceXS BV, The Netherlands
strengthen these links and involves collaboration between European
policy, conservation and breeding sectors throughout Europe.
10. The University of Nottingham, UK
The project was initiated by and involves members of the In Situ and
11. European Association for Research on Plant Breeding,
On-farm Conservation Network (www.ecpgr.cgiar.org/ networks/
Hungary
in_situ_and_on_farm.html) of the European Cooperative Programme
for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR) from throughout Europe. The
Consortium itself comprises 11 partner institutes and includes both
plant breeding and conservation research institutes, as well as
Europe’s primary plant breeding research network, the European
Association for Research in Plant Breeding (EUCARPIA) (Box 2).
The Consortium is supported by an External Advisory Board which
involves senior researchers in plant breeding and PGRFA
conservation and policy, as well as a Breeders’ Committee
comprising plant breeders and pre-breeders of major European food
crops.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

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PGR Secure Work package 4 ‘Landrace conservation’:

introduction and present achievements
V. Negri and N. Maxted
Department of Applied Biology, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia , Italy, E-mail: vnegri@unipg.it
School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.

The overall objective of Work package 4 (WP4) is to promote the Delegates from almost all European countries who were
relevant interventions securing and improving the in situ and ex situ officially nominated as LR Inventory National Focal Points
conservation of European landrace (LR) diversity as a means of (NFPs) by the National coordinators, NFPs associated with the
improving LR use by breeders and local communities. It is noted ECPGR Documentation and Information Network, as well as
that there is much less information available for European LR the ECPGR Secretariat, attended the meeting to discuss a
diversity than for crop wild relatives (CWR) diversity and that prior to strategic approach to European and National LR inventorying
developing the above - mentioned relevant interventions, it is and conservation.
important to better understand the diversity of European LRs and During the workshop the delegates were provided with a
their current conservation status. comprehensive set of references and informed about possible
At present no European-wide LR inventory has been developed, tools and strategies that favour LR in situ (e.g. on-farm/in-
although some information has already been published (Veteläinen garden) conservation activities. In addition, and most relevant,
et al., 2009, 2012; Negri et al., 2012; Maxted et al. 2012) and tools an implementation plan for the construction of NIs was agreed
favouring LR data recording and sharing of information on existing upon, although National delegates underlined the fact that lack
always on-farm/in-garden conservation activities have already been of resources in the National Programs that will possibly make it
made available on the web by the On-farm conservation WG of difficult to put it into practice. The work plan agreed upon has
ECPGR (http://www.ecpgr.cgiar.org/Networks/Insitu_onfarm/Docs/ the following basic steps:
OnfarmDescr_DRAFT271107.pdf) by UNIPG (see: http:// To collect information on LRs that are still maintained in situ by
www.sharinginformation.eu/) and recently by PGR Secure itself (see using a minimum set of Descriptors to be developed on
below). the basis of the suggestions received during the workshop.
This work package has four subordinate objectives: To build up LR NIs,
1. to create a European inventory of LRs maintained in situ (i.e. To make data available to PGR Secure for compiling a
on-farm and in garden) as the necessary informative basis for European Inventory.
any conservation and use action. All crops should be included, Soon after the workshop the PGR Secure WP4 team started to
but considering the resources available, the focus will be on work out the in situ LR descriptors taking into account the
Avena, Beta, Brassica and Medicago (for which CWR exist in suggestions received from the NFP, the ECPGR
Europe) taxa, at least. An other objective is to make available a Documentation and Information Network during the Palanga
web-enabled Europe-wide inventory that contains basic workshop and ECPGR Secretariat and from Bioversity
biodiversity data and is moderated by national Plant Genetic International that is involved in drawing up the FAO WIEWS
Resource programmes. Multi-Crop Passport Descriptors.
2. to generate exemplar national LR conservation strategies, The Descriptors For Web-Enabled National In Situ Landrace
based on detailed LR inventory case studies carried out in Inventories have been recently published on the PGR Secure
Finland, Italy and the UK, will be developed. helpdesk web page (www.pgrsecure.org/helpdesk) (Fig. 2).
3. to develop an analysis of the European LR gene pools of They are a fundamental tool for recording LR in situ data in a
Avena, Beta, Brassica and Medicago and a specific European standardized and agreed upon manner in order to allow the first
conservation strategy. European database for LRs to be constructed, in the first place,
4. drawing on PGR Secure priority gene pool case studies and the and to feed other European databases of genetic resources like
three country inventories, along with ECPGR On-farm Working EURISCO. The Descriptors include fields related to the
Group activities and existing information sources, PGR Secure Inventory, taxon, landrace, site and farmer identification, the
aims to develop a generic European LR conservation strategy landrace status, characteristics and use and finally fields
that will review European LR wealth, conservation status, concerning conservation actions and monitoring actions
prioritized in situ and ex situ conservation actions and links to eventually taken in favour of LR diversity maintenance. The
breeder-based exploitation of LR diversity. progress towards the national inventory of landrace diversity in
The LR conservation WP involves the University of Perugia (I), the Italy and the UK are described in the following pages.
University of Birmingham (UK), MTT Agrifood Research (FI) and
Bioversity International as main actors, but calls on all European References
countries to contribute (Fig.1). Maxted, M, Magos Brehm, J. and Kell, S.P. (2012) Conservation and
Concerning the first aim, the project has already provided training to sustainable use of PGRFA: a toolkit for national strategy
generate National LR Inventories (NIs) in European countries with development. Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture, FAO, Rome. Pp. 340.
the ‘’Conservation strategies for European crop wild relatives and Negri, V., Faseoula, D., Heinonen, M., Holubec, V., Musayev, M.,
landrace diversity’’ workshop that was held in Palanga in September Spataro, G., Vetelainen, M., Vogel, R. (2012) The European On-
2011 (see the following article). farm Conservation Activities: An Update. In: Maxted, N., Dulloo,
A European LR inventory can only be based on NIs, considering that M.E., Ford-Lloyd, B.V., Frese, L., Iriondo, J.M. and Pinheiro de
the responsibility to conserve and sustainably use LR diversity (as Carvalho, M.A.A. (eds.), Agrobiodiversity Conservation: Securing
well as any other biodiversity component) lies with individual the Diversity of Crop Wild Relatives and Landraces. CABI
countries and that any concerted action will be implemented at the Publishing, Wallingford, UK. Pp 327- 332.
national level, even when driven by policy at the European level.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

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Vetelainen, M., Negri V. and N. Maxted (eds.) (2009) European Landraces: On-farm Conservation, Management and Use. Bioversity Technical
Bulletin No. 15, Bioversity International publ., Rome, Italy.
Vetelainen, M., Negri, V., Maxted, N. (2012) A second look at the European Strategic Approach to Conserving Crop Landraces. In: Maxted, N.,
Dulloo, M.E., Ford-Lloyd, B.V., Frese, L., Iriondo, J.M. and Pinheiro de Carvalho, M.A.A. (eds.), Agrobiodiversity Conservation: Securing the
Diversity of Crop Wild Relatives and Landraces. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK. Pp 181-185.

Figure 1: PGR Secure Workpackage 4 development in synthesis Figure 2: The cover of the LR Descriptors developed on the
basis of the suggestions received during and post the workshop
(dowloadable from: www.pgrsecure.org/helpdesk)

Above: on the left an example of “Roveja” (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense) cultivation on Plains of Castelluccio (Apennine Mountains), on the right a detail
of the “Roveja” flower (Photos: F. Picottini)

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

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Conservation strategies for European crop wild relative and

landrace diversity: a joint PGR Secure/ECPGR workshop
V. Negri and R. Torricelli
Department of Applied Biology, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia , Italy, e-mail: vnegri@unipg.it

A
joint PGR Secure/European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR) workshop, ‘’Conservation
strategies for European crop wild relative and landrace diversity’’, was convened in Palanga, Lithuania from 7‒9 September
2011 to discuss and agree a strategic approach to European and national crop wild relative (CWR) and landrace (LR)
conservation.

While the ultimate aim is to ensure the systematic conservation of European plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA)
which is important for food security and the European economy, the workshop addressed five primary topics: 1) production of National
Inventories (NIs), 2) taxon prioritization, diversity and gap analysis, and threat assessment, 3) data collection, management and
exchange, 4) linking conservation to use, 5) development and implementation of national CWR and LR conservation strategies by the
ECPGR Network members. The workshop comprised a series of presentations and discussion sessions on the state of the art of CWR
and LR conservation in Europe and reviewed the available approaches and methods.

Participants shared knowledge on current national activities, discussed the practicalities of developing national CWR and LR
conservation strategies, and agreed on the way forward. The workshop was structured around three plenary sessions (introductory,
interim and final reporting) and three working group sessions (CWR conservation, LR conservation, and information management). It
was attended by 101 participants from 38 European countries and one from the United States of America. Participants included
members of the ECPGR In Situ and On‐farm Conservation Network (Wild Species Conservation in Genetic Reserves and On‐farm
Conservation Working Groups) and Documentation and Information Network, as well as Consortium and External Advisory Board
Members of the EU Framework 7 project, PGR Secure.

The workshop was organized and facilitated by the University of Birmingham, (UK), University of Perugia, Italy, Nature Research
Centre Lithuania (NRC) and ECPGR and was hosted by the NRC. Following is a brief summary of the discussed LR issues.

Above: V. Negri and M. Veteläinen give an introduction on possible ways to LR conservation during the workshop. Pictures taken
during the excursion to the Curonia Spit (Photo: R. Torricelli).

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WORKING GROUP 2: LR CONSERVATION

V. Negri (University of Perugia) introduced the general aim of It would of course be useful to record also other data (see the
the workshop (i.e. to provide background information and minimum descriptor list already worked out by the ECPGR
training in LR NI and LR in situ conservation strategy On-farm Working Group (WG) downloadable from: http://
development) and presented the specific topics to be covered www.ecpgr.cgiar.org/networks/in_situ_and_on_farm/
and discussed in the group 2 session. The following on_farm_wg.html), but the data listed above are the minimum
presentations were then given. which would allow the PGR Secure project to achieve its
aims. All crops should be inventoried, but focus should be on
What are LR A training presentation was given by V. Negri those belonging to the Avena, Beta, Brassica and Medicago
which considered the nature of LR, (their definitions and genera.
genetic structure), their importance and possible ways to in
situ (on-farm/in garden) conservation. She initially noted that M. Heinonen (MTT Agrifood Research Finland) gave a
there are many definition of what constitutes a LR. Italy is training presentation on how to get information from farmers
presently working to inventory its own heritage of LR under the based on experience in Finland within a project started in
definition that was given in the frame of the EU funded project 2006. She noted initially that knowledge on LR is typically
AEGRO (http://aegro.jki.bund.de/aegro/): “A variable scattered, non-organized, rarely written down and locally
population, which is identifiable and usually has a local name. based. Since the generation is vanishing to whom LR have
It lacks ‘formal’ crop improvement, is characterized by a been part of the everyday life, it is badly needed to locate the
specific adaptation to the environmental conditions of the area LR and to gather the diverse (agricultural, biological, cultural,
of cultivation and is associated with the traditional uses, historical, local) knowledge. A national call for LR in Finland
knowledge, habits, dialects, and celebrations of the people was announced by the PGR National Programme in the early
who developed and continue to grow it” (see Lorenzetti and 2006 asking for information about cereals, flax, pea, and
Negri, 2009). This definition emphasizes the aspects of a long hemp and made it clear that interest was focused on LR in
standing, unbroken and active management of LR in a specific cultivation and old commercial varieties bred in Finland that
human context and underlines that a LR belongs to the people were not yet stored ex situ at the gene bank. The importance
who developed it and feel to be its owner. of making inventories to the purpose of safeguarding PGR
was strongly stressed and assistance in reporting the
LR inventories R. Torricelli and V. Negri (University of existence of LR and old cultivars still on the farm to the
Perugia, Italy) then presented the goals of inventorying LR, Finnish National Programme for PGR elicited relying on the
where LR can be found and LR gap analysis. need to save a common heritage.
It was initially noted that LR are still present across Europe,
however, complete inventories for single European country Following the previous speech, M. Heinonen, taking as an
are still lacking. This lack of information severely hampers the example an old apple tree LR (called ‘Huvitus’), gave an
possibility of conserving and using effectively these LR. To outlook on how possibly historical data can be used to
create NIs is the needed informative base for any evaluate what LR groups can be still in cultivation, to locate
conservation action which is presently strongly needed and the LR and to evaluate the LR origin. To be found this old
required by many legally binding international agreements cultivar, besides interviews of local informants, there are
several information sources old scientific literature:
M. Veteläinen (MTT Agrifood Research Finland), after recalling pomological, plant breeders publications other old literature
goals of the inventorying action, presented the available tools, and achieve documents, old photos and maps and statistics.
information sources and the current situation of inventory
actions in Europe. Available tools presently include ex situ
information systems such as local/regional gene bank,
EURISCO and CCDBs and in situ information available from
earlier inventories, literature, Internet, NGOs and other grower
organizations, farmer interviews and the on-farm/in garden
(http://www.sharingingformation.eu/). She noted that to carry
out inventories, attention should be paid to the collection of
guidelines, forms and descriptor lists, to give LR grower
information on subsidy systems, to consider ex situ back-up
possibilities and conservation networks and to have a post-
inventory follow-up plan. All this in order to build up a well
designed, integrated ex situ / in situ conservation system.

M. Veteläinen and V. Negri suggested a list of basic data to be

recorded when inventorying LR on the farms and stimulated a
discussion on the topic. About data to be recorded it was first
noted that there are two levels to be considered: the national
needs and the PGR Secure needs. As for the latter, a Above: M. Heinonen during one of her presentations (Photo: R.
minimum set of data are needed. The format to be used Torricelli).
should be on that used by EURISCO in order to facilitate a
EURISCO extension to include on-farm data in the future.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

12

M.P. Mendes Moreira (Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra,

LR characterization and threat assessment Portugal), also on behalf of the co-author C. Vaz Patto
R. Torricelli gave a training speech on how to identify and
Universidade Nova de Lisboa), gave a presentation on how
characterize LR. In Italy there are still many LR of different
conservation can be linked to local use taking as an
crops present on-farm and in home gardens (over 1,300 LR
example the use of maize LR in making a traditional bread
were inventoried in Central Italy alone).
(see article at page 12).
They are maintained because of their better quality than
commercial varieties, better performance (yield/persistence)
R. Torricelli illustrated how and where emmer wheat LR are
under difficult pedo-climatic conditions and traditional
maintained in Italy. He explained that the crop is well suited
reasons such as particular traits appreciated by the farmer’s
to the marginal conditions of hilly and mountainous areas of
family and ritual or religious use. In Italy some LR are
the country, generally cultivated under an environmental
protected by national and regional laws (and other
friendly (mostly organic) management systems and that LR
supportive measures).
are maintained because of these positive traits and of
Within this (also legislative) context morpho-phenological
traditional use. Some LR of emmer have quality marks
characterization is needed to: plan actions to safeguard
awarded by the European Union (PGI and PDO,
individual LR; assess the identity and distinctiveness of a
respectively) and this increases the added value of emmer
certain LR; enhance the value of product obtained from LR;
products and protects both consumers and producers.
implement any actions to market the seed of conservation
Presently farmers make good profits from the crop which is
varieties (2008/62/EC, 2009/145/EC and 2010/60/EU
sold at a high price on the market (emmer business is about
Commission Directives).
2 millions of euro in Italy).
R. Torricelli also explained how threat assessment is
R. Vögel (Brandenburg State Office of Environment, Health
implemented in Italy to protect LR within the Italian
and Consumer Protection, Germany) offered interesting
legislative frame. He mentioned that Italy was the first
information on a reintroduction project of cereals carried out
country in Europe to protect genetic resources (GR) (and LR
in the German biosphere reserve Schorfheide-Chorin and
in particular) with several regional and national laws passed
through a farmer network. LR were extinct in the area, so
from 1997 onwards. These laws are now being harmonized
gene banks were asked for LR and old cultivars.
with the recent European legislation which allows seed
About 400 were tested and a choice for reintroduction was
commercialization of ‘conservation varieties’ (e.g., LR,
made on the base of the traits farmers considered most
ecotypes and old varieties): 2008/62/EC, 2009/145/EC and
valuable across years (1995‒2010). Presently 30 LR and
2010/60/EU Commission Directives.
old cultivars are successfully managed by the farmers in and
The Italian Regional legislative frames promote the
outside the biosphere reserve and are source of income,
agrobiodiversity in situ/on-farm conservation with the goals
others are considered of potential interest and a small
to reduce the “genetic erosion threat” of local (i.e.,
percentage of interest for demonstration gardens. In wheat,
autochthonous) GR, to develop an economic interest for
although grain yield of the reintroduced materials is relatively
food products from local GR and to enhance information on
lower, straw yield is higher than that of modern cultivars
local GR. The text of the Lazio Regional Law n. 15 (March
under low input conditions. The experience shows that LR
1st 2000) ‘Protection of autochthonous genetic resources of
and old cultivars have a role to play in low input agriculture
agricultural interest’ (Costanza et al., 2012).
not only for the competitive yield under low input conditions
and good quality of the products, but also because they
Linking LR conservation to use bring a special value to the protection of nature and elicit the
M. Heinonen gave a speech on how to increase the local agro-touristic business
conservation value of LR by using cultural information. In
fact she considers absolute value (biodiversity value) is not M. Ambrose (John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK) examined
enough to keep LR in cultivation. Biodiversity value needs to the points of difference between conventional and
be transformed to more concrete value which has an participatory breeding, the role of gene banks as facilitators
exchangeable value on market. in making available materials and information to the potential
There are several possibilities to add this sort of value to LR users and stakeholders of genetic resources and some case
and LR conservation: to point out their diverse use values study. He noted that while conventional breeding is mostly
(good cultivation properties, the niche products that can be aimed at improving specific traits, obtaining cultivars with
obtained from them, the authenticity they bring to the historic uniformity, stability and high production level and mostly
sites, manor gardens, museum gardens when cultivated uses already obtained cultivars as the base for further
there, the cultural and social values they have as personal, improvements, participatory plant breeding mostly asks for
family, local and national heritage). When people are aware local or regional provenances as a basic material for the
of the origin of a LR, they take care of the LR. So it is very breeding work. These show local adaptation and often
much important to collect cultural information when specific features which are valuable to the farmers.
collecting LR. Finally M. Ambrose presented the work carried out at the
In this respect aged (retired) farmers are probably the most John Inns Institute on heritage wheats which, beside
useful sources because they are able to recollect the rich characterization and evaluation work, includes maintaining
indigenous knowledge on LR cultivation and use. However demonstration fields for farmers interested in reintroducing
some young farmers have strong personal connection to them. He concluded that to create LR NIs is just the first part
and commitment (emotions) to LR cultivated in the family for in the pathway of conserving LR and old cultivars in
several generations and then can also be a useful source of agriculture. There is the need to use them widely to preserve
information. diversity on-farm. Gene banks have an important role to play
as facilitators of the process.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

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Development and implementation of national However the ECPGR On-farm Working Group has a role
LR conservation strategies by the ECPGR to play. At the national level appropriate management
strategies should be developed, an enhancement of the
network members farmer management of LR should be pursued and on-
V. Negri made available to delegates a strategy to identify farm conservation and management of LR should be
areas that are rich in biodiversity where to locate safeguard integrated in a system that promotes LR use.
actions with priority through a holistic approach (Negri et al., At European level it is necessary to agree on protocols for
2012). Once LR are inventoried and georeferenced, the assessing LR threat status (according to the model of the
country area is (artificially) subdivided in squares (as IUCN Red List Criteria) may be taking advantage of
superimposing a grid to the country). In each subdivision, the already existing example such as that reported for the
LR density, diversity in terms of species and evenness, Lazio Region in Italy. It is also necessary to develop
diversity of agricultural systems (taking advantage of the methods to assess impacts of climate change on LR
CORINE land use map) and presence of PA data can be which is a task for the research at European level.
worked out. Each square is then ranked on the basis of the
maximum level of the above mentioned characters. The top References
ranked areas are the richest in terms of agrobiodiversity and
deserve special attention when setting conservation Costanza, M.T., Barbagiovanni Miracolo, I., Taviani, P., Paletti,
strategies. An example is reported that concerns central S., Rea, R., Lelli, L., Garzia, J.H., Porfiri, O., Nardi, P. and
Italy. The approach described can be easily applied to the Tanca, M. (2012) On‐farm conservation of plant genetic
whole of Europe because the CORINE land use map (which resources in Lazio Region, Italy. Implementation of Regional
is available online for the entire European territory through Act 1st March 2000 N° 15. In: Maxted, N., Dulloo, M.E., Ford
the European Environment Agency website), as well as the ‐Lloyd, B.V., Frese, L., Iriondo, J.M. and Pinheiro de
Carvalho, M.A.A. (eds.) Agrobiodiversity Conservation:
main PA locations, are available for the entire area. However
Securing the Diversity of Crop Wild Relatives and Landraces.
basic data on LR location are needed and must be recorded CAB International, Wallingford. Pp. 161‒172.
when inventorying LR. Lorenzetti, F. and Negri, V. (2009) The European seed
legislation on conservation varieties. In:Vetelainen, M., Negri
The preparation of a conservation and use V. and Maxted, N. (eds.) European Landraces: On‐farm
action plan was then reviewed by M. Veteläinen. She Conservation, Management and Use. Bioversity Technical
Bulletin No. 15, Bioversity International, Rome, Italy. Pp. 287
also addressed the responsibilities at national and/or ‒ 295.
European level. Each country is responsible for LR inventory, Negri, V., Barocco, R., Pacicco, L., Veronesi, F. and Venanzoni,
LR and farmer survey, in situ and ex situ conservation, R. (2012) An approach towards prioritizing landrace rich
sustainable use of plant genetic resources and integration of areas as a priority for protection in Europe. In: Maxted, N.,
conservation plans into national and regional action policies. Dulloo, M.E., Ford‐ Lloyd, B.V., Frese, L., Iriondo, J.M. and
However, an integration of different activities and policies is Pinheiro de Carvalho, M.A.A. (eds.), Agrobiodiversity
needed at European level and projects like AEGIS and PGR Conservation: Securing the Diversity of Crop Wild Relatives
Secure operate to facilitate this integration. In developing of and Landraces. CAB International, Wallingford. Pp. 118‒
effective means for systematic in situ conservation of LR 124.
more efforts should be dedicated by each state member to
raise awareness among conservationists on the importance
of on-farm conservation.

Above: Participants at the Joint PGR Secure/ECPGR workshop, held in Palanga, Lithuania in September 2011

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

14

Towards an Italian inventory persons) which reports needs of the Regions and Provinces to
of landrace diversity the Ministry of Agriculture.
Italy was the first country in Europe to protect Genetic
Resources and LR with specific Regional and national
V. Negri legislations. The Tuscany and Lazio Italian Regions preceded
the State in adopting and implementing policies protecting local
Department of Applied Biology, University of Perugia, Borgo XX genetic resources with specific Regional Laws (Tuscany Laws
Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia , Italy, E-mail: vnegri@unipg.it no. 50/1997 and Lazio Law no. 15/2000. Other Regions
followed (Friuli Venezia Giulia Law no. 11/2002; Marche Law
Many landraces (LR) are still maintained on-farm in Italy, no. 12/2003 and Emilia Romagna Law no. 1/2008), while many
including not only of all the main crop species but also neglected other Regions have not implemented a law or have Laws under
and underutilized species. A recent inventory listed over 1300 discussion. All these laws are very similar to each other and an
LRs in central Italy alone (Negri et al., 2012). These LRs are account of what they foresee and how they are implemented
maintained for various reasons, including better quality than will be given in the next Landrace issue.
commercial varieties, better performance (yield or persistence) Soon after the first two Regional laws were issued, the National
under harsh agro-environmental conditions, traditional uses Law no. 212/2001 set a section for conservation varieties in the
such as particular traits appreciated by the farm family, and National Register of varieties, the Law no. 101/2004 adopted
ritual or religious use (Negri, 2003). the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food
They are not necessarily maintained under ‘traditional farming and Agriculture and Law no. 46/2007 defined ‘conservation
systems’, but are ‘maintained because of tradition’, especially varieties’ and terms of seed commercialization. The latter
related to food. It is estimated that less one third of them is preceded the European legislation (Commission Directives
already marketed as niche, typical product (Negri, 2003). 2008/62/EC, 2009/145/EC and 2010/60/EU) that allows seed
However, most of them, especially garden and neglected crops, commercialization of ‘conservation varieties’.
are highly threatened because they are cultivated primarily by Presently, a new Law is in preparation that is intended to
aging farmers (Negri, 2003; Galluzzi et al., 2010). harmonize all these disciplines and in particular foresees the
Italy is presently working to inventory its own heritage of LR creation of an Italian Register of all (i.e. plant, animal and
under the definition that was given in the frame of the EU funded microbes) genetic resources of interest for agriculture. This was
project AEGRO (http://aegro.jki.bund.de/aegro/), i.e. “A variable foreseen in the National Plan for Biodiversity Conservation
population, which is identifiable and usually has a local name. It released in February, 2008 which already considers the need to
lacks “formal” crop improvement, is characterized by a specific prepare an inventory of genetic resources (Marino, 2010).
adaptation to the environmental conditions of the area of The compilation of an Italian landrace inventory, and the
cultivation and is associated with the traditional uses, consequent definition of an Italian strategy for the in situ
knowledge, habits, dialects, and celebrations of the people who conservation of landraces, funded by the PGR Secure project
developed and continue to grow it (see Lorenzetti and Negri, fits very well in this scenario (Fig. 1). However, it is complicated
2009). The definition was also adopted in recently produced by the complexity of the administrative context. In order to
manual aimed to help the Italian Regions to inventory landraces compile an ‘official’ inventory, UNIPG has contacted in order:
(Marino, 2010), the manual was commissioned by the Italian The Ministry of Agriculture, the above mentioned consultative
Ministry of Agriculture. bodies, providing information on PGR Secure and aims, and,
This definition emphasizes the aspects of a long standing, immediately afterwards, each single Region officer in charge of
unbroken and active management of LR in a specific human Genetic Resources with the request of providing official data on
context and underlines that a LR belongs to the people who landrace maintained in situ. At present data were gathered from
developed it and feel to be its owner. In this sense it answers Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Marche and Tuscany Regions. In
the need for recognizing (and remunerating) the farmers’ rights particular, Tuscany and Lazio Regions have online data on
that have been so often highlighted in International binding landrace maintained in situ which were used to the purpose.
documents
The UNIPG work in compiling an Italian inventory and defining
an Italian strategy to landrace conservation must take into
account the political and legal frame that is present in Italy. To
be noted in the first instance that the responsibility of (Plant and
Animal) Genetic Resource maintenance lies with Italian
Regions, not with the State. The Italian Regions decides on the
matter of agriculture (genetic resources included) while the
Ministry of Agriculture (Mipaaf) has only an orientation and
coordination role. All the matters that concern agriculture are
discussed and agreed in a Permanent Conference State-
Regions.
In particular, on the matter of genetic resources there are
consultancy bodies that have to be asked: the Permanent
Committee on Genetic Resources (CPGR, made of some
Regions and other public administrations such as the Ministry of
Environment and autonomous Provinces representative
persons) that is coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Figure 1 The Italian National Plan for Biodiversity Conservation and the
the Interregional Network for Agriculture, Fishery and Food PGR Secure inputs to it
(made of Regions and autonomous Provinces representative

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 15
References

Galluzzi, G., Eyzaguirre, P., Negri, V. (2010) Home

gardens: neglected hotspots of agro-biodiversity and
cultural diversity. Biodiversity and Conservation 19:
3635-3654.
Lorenzetti, F., Negri, V. (2009) The European seed
legislation on conservation varieties. In: (Vetelainen,
M., Negri V. and N. Maxted eds.) ‘European
Landraces: On-farm Conservation, Management and
Use’. Bioversity Technical Bulletin No. 15, Bioversity
International publ., Rome, Italy, pp 287-295.
Marino, M. (2010) Implementazione del Piano Nazionale
per la biodiversità in agricoltura. Dal Seme 4, 37‒41.
Negri, V. (2003) Landraces in central Italy: Where and
why they are conserved and perspectives for their on-
farm conservation. Genetic Resources and Crop
Evolution 50 (8): 871-885. Home garden in Maremma, Tuscany (Photo: G. Galluzzi)
Negri, V., Barocco, R., Pacicco, L., Veronesi, F.,
Venanzoni, R. (2012) An Approach Towards
Prioritising Landrace Rich Areas as A Priority For
Protection. In Europe.In: Maxted, N., Dulloo, M.E.,
Ford-Lloyd, B.V., Frese, L., Iriondo, J.M. and Pinheiro
de Carvalho, M.A.A. (eds). Agrobiodiversity
Conservation: Securing the Diversity of Crop Wild
Relatives and Landraces. CAB International,
Wallingford, UK. pp 118-124.

Youth taking care of “Francescano” tomato landrace in his home garden

(Photo: T. Tesei)

The “A pisello” common bean landrace in Colle di Tora (Rieti): the

environment, the seed and Manlio Pandolfi , one of the farmers cultivating it
Above: Seeds of two typical Italian landraces: (Photo composition: V. Negri)
“Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia” and “Farro di
Monteleone di Spoleto”. Photos: UNIPG archive
Above: Landraces and landrace environments in Central Italy.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

16

Towards a UK inventory of Results of analysis of seedbank data did not reflect the full
landrace diversity range of English and Welsh vegetable landrace diversity
available in ex situ collections maintained in the UK, mainly
because a proportion of landrace germplasm is not yet
Nigel Maxted and Shelagh Kell recognized in the seedbank information management
School of Biosciences, The University of Birmingham, systems. Nonetheless, the analysis was an important first
Birmingham B15 2TT, UK step in the process of consolidating ex situ collections data
for inclusion in the UK landrace inventory. ‘B’ List varieties
collectively form another important component of the
During the last 100 years, European agriculture has inventory; there may be challenges in the future in keeping
undergone a sea change. In the early 1900s, agriculture this part of the inventory of in situ maintained material
was mainly based on traditional cultivation systems, where updated due to a dependency on data provision by a number
most of the inputs and products (including seed) came of commercial companies who are the official maintainers of
from the farm itself; now, the many genetically diverse a large proportion of the varieties.
traditional crop varieties (or landraces) that were once A number of key in situ maintainers of English and Welsh
grown by European farmers have been largely replaced by vegetable landrace diversity were identified and these include
fewer genetically uniform commercially bred cultivars and commercial seed companies, non -governmental
for vegetables FI hybrid varieties, which now dominate organizations, individual farmers, allotment-holders and
agricultural production. The extent of loss of crop genetic home gardeners. Critically, this research highlighted the fact
diversity associated with the loss of landraces is difficult to that while the genetic diversity of our vegetable crops may
quantify accurately, but we do know that both worldwide have been impoverished through the loss of many traditional
and in Europe there has been a massive loss of named varieties in the past—diversity that is irreplaceable—new
landrace varieties that is thought to equate to a significant variation is currently being created through individual grower-
loss of crop genetic diversity. This erosion of our based breeding. This may be as a result of deliberate or
agrobiodiversity resources is likely to be critical for future passive variety improvement through repeated cycles of
food security and has been recognized in a number of selection and seed-saving or occasionally through accidental
international legal instruments, including the Convention on or deliberate cross-pollination leading to the production of a
Biological Diversity and the International Treaty on Plant new variety. Therefore, while the loss of old varieties and the
Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. As a diversity that has gone with them is of concern, and
signatory to these treaties, the UK has an obligation to take recognizing that any new variation will not replace what has
steps to secure the full range of its plant genetic resources been lost, it is important to acknowledge that we may now be
for food and agriculture, including the diversity of UK in a new period of expansion of locally-based vegetable crop
landraces. diversity and therefore need to put in placestrategies to
An initial scoping exercise for UK crop landraces (funded capture this diversity and nurture the culture that is
by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural responsible for creating and maintaining it.
Affairs) indicated that there remains a significant wealth of The English and Welsh vegetable landrace diversity study
landrace diversity in the UKfor all major crop commodity concludes with a number of recommended actions that will
groups, but that it is often highly geographically localized be necessary to secure the diversity of UK vegetable
and critically threatened with extinction. landraces as an agrobiodiversity resource critical for future
For example, the average landrace maintainer was found food security, as well as a vital component of our biodiversity
to be 65 years old and there was little evidence of the next and cultural heritage. Key among them was the
generation being willing or able to continue the family role establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive
as maintainers. Previous studies of landrace diversity in inventory of UK vegetable and fruit landraces. As a response
the UK have focused primarily on cereal and forage crops to this call the UK Department for Environment, Food and
and current knowledge of in situ vegetable landrace Rural Affairs is sponsoring a new project entitled ‘Enhancing
maintenance throughout the UK is limited—hence the need Conservation and Use of Untapped UK Vegetable and Fruit
for research in this area and the production of a Landrace Diversity’.
corresponding inventory. The aim is to systematically inventory, conserve and enhance
The second short term project, again funded by the UK the use of UK vegetable and fruit LR diversity. Specifically
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the new project will involve: (i) completion of the inventory of
focused more precisely on ‘Vegetable landrace inventory of UK vegetable and fruit landrace (VFLR) diversity and the
England and Wales’ as a step towards securing this writing of a Strategy for UK LR Conservation and Use, (ii)
agrobiodiversity resource for the benefit of future enhanced use of UK VFLR diversity by breeders via the
generations. study and promotion of adaptive traits, (iii) active
In this study landrace data were collated from a wide range conservation to identify priority VLR diversity for inclusion in
of sources, including existing data sets from four UK the most relevant ex situ collections to serve as a safety
seedbanks that are central to the maintenance of landrace backup for the in situ VFLR diversity, (iv) the development of
diversity ex situ, and traditional vegetable varieties policy options for the implementation of the Strategy for UK
included in the UK National Lists of Vegetable Varieties, ‘B’ VFLR Conservation and Use, and (v) raising public and
List. Other data were collated following media releases and professional awareness of the rich, unique value of UK VFLR
advertisements and by using a questionnaire, internet diversity. The project will involve all major PGR institutes in
searches, email correspondence, telephone calls and face the UK and will be led by the University of Birmingham.
to face meetings, capturing a broad range of interest
groups, companies and individuals.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 17

Parallel to the vegetable inventory study the University of Birmingham has been actively engaged in vegetable and fruit survey of
allotment sites of in Worcestershire and the West Midlands region. In both surveys a large number of allotment sites were sampled
with questionnaire data collated from individual plot holders. The questions asked focused around five topics: participant, site, crops
grown and cultivation details, seeds and sources of information. Analysis of results enabled the creation of an inventory of LR grown;
‘new’ accessions not recorded elsewhere were discovered and a significant link found between the growth of landraces and the
maintainer ethnicity. The inventories of Worcestershire and the West Midlands allotments acted as baseline data for the creation of
complementary conservation strategies employing both in situ and ex situ techniques.

Paul Watkins showing variation in his ‘Throws’ broad bean landrace

(Photo: N. Maxted)

Paul and Tobias Watkins standing in a field of their ‘Throws’ broad bean
landrace (Photo: N. Maxted)

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

18

Ongoing inventory on
landrace potato onions in
Finland
M. Heinonen and K. Antonius
MTT Agrifood Research Finland

Potato onion (Allium cepa Aggregatum -group) is close to shallot

(Ascalonicum group), although producing larger bulbs and
stronger aroma. Potato onion is a northern onion type,
supposedly of eastern origin. Potato onions cultivated in Finland
are all landraces, since there has been no breeding program.
Potato onions have been commonly cultivated especially in Above: A potato onion cultivated in the Central Finland. Photo:
Northern and Eastern Finland until mid 20th century, after that Maarit Heinonen, MTT.
the cultivation has been very limited.
MTT Agrifood Research Finland and University of Helsinki
collected Finnish potato onions during 1980’s. Morphologically
rich variation amongst potato onions were noticed in size (from
one to several centimeters in diameter); in shape (from round to
oval); in colour of the skin (from light yellow to light red); in
resistance to virus and other deceases; in division of bulbs; and
in storage resistance (Suojala-Ahlfors & Kallela, 2006).
27 accessions of potato onions have been accepted for long
term storage in field collections at MTT Agrifood Research
Finland. At the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen)
there are a further 24 accessions of potato onions in vitro
collection (Veteläinen, Hulden & Pehu, 2008).
In the PGR Secure project, our aim is to make an inventory on in
situ conserved potato onions in Finland. In order to contact
growers we have released a call for potato onions still in
cultivation. Local and national media has been essential in
spreading the call. National TV channel broadcasted a
programme on potato onion, interviewing one grower as an
example. We have written articles on trade magazines. Regional
and local newspapers have published several articles on the
basis of our press releases. We have been invited to broadcast
short radio programmes on the topic. In addition, the call has
also been announced at selected public events (e.g. garden
fair).
So far we have received over 30 contacts of potato onion
growers all over Finland. We have collected the preliminary
information: contacts, location and estimated growing history.
Only one respondent grows for the market, all others for home Above: Potato onions in vitro at NordGen. Photo: Merja
Hartikainen, MTT.
consumption. This data collection has been done by phone or
via e-mail.
The potato onions in the national collection as well as the ones
References:
still in cultivation will be analyzed with microsatellite DNA
Suojala-Ahlfors, T. & Kallela, M. (2006) Sipulit (Allium L.).
markers. Growers of potato onion landraces have been asked to [Onions]. In: Guidelines for long-term conservation of
send a couple of bulbs as a sample. These samples will be
Finnish plant genetic resources. Vegetables, herbs and
analyzed with microsatellite DNA markers. The marker results of
medicinal plants, eds. Ahokas et al. Maa- ja
cultivated samples will be compared with the results of the
elintarviketalous 85, pp. 15-30.
accessions in Finnish national collection in order to estimate the
Veteläinen, M., Hulden, M. & Pehu, T. (2008) State of Plant
genetic variation within the material, and to see if any clones
Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in Finland.
have been distributed to several locations. The possible gaps in
Second Finnish National Report for FAO. Publications of
the ex situ collection will be eventually be filled.
the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Finland
The detailed plant specific data and grower data will be collected
5/2008. 44 pp.
after DNA analysis results.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 19

On-farm conservation of Farmers choose to maintain the landraces they value by planting
cereal and legume landraces the seed, selecting the seed from the harvest or exchanging it

in the north west transitional with other farmers, and replanting. Their choices also determine
whether or not genetic resources of social value for crop
region of Turkey improvement continue to be grown in situ. Farmers may stop
growing landraces if changes in the production or marketing
environment cause them to lose their relative value. Designing
A. Tan on-farm conservation efforts presents a number of policy
challenges, including the identification of the social and economic
Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock General Directorate of forces driving the loss of landraces in a particular locality.
Agricultural Research and Policy, Aegean Agricultural Research In-depth group interviews with historical data confirm that in the
Institute, Plant Genetic Resources Department P.O.Box.9 villages in the plain of the study region, modern varieties are
Menemen / Izmir /35661Turkey. E-mail: indeed displacing landraces. Some of the villages have high
degree of genetic erosion; the others at the mountain part of the
Introduction region have an incipient level. Genetic erosion in crops occurs
On-farm conservation of genetic diversity involves farmers because privately optimal choices for farmers result in levels of
deciding to continue managing landraces in agro-ecosystems and crop biodiversity that are below a socially optimal threshold.
communities where they have evolved historically. Turkey is an However, it has not been sufficient for the maintenance of the
important center of origin and/or center of genetic diversity for families, leading the farmer to look for new economic
cereals and legumes and many other main crops. Farmers in alternatives, like the grain differential yield. Moreover,
Turkey maintain landraces in association with their wild and weedy governmental incentives and scientific support concerning the
relatives (Tan, 2010). Genetic erosion is not as broad a qualities of the landraces that they are producing exist.
phenomenon as had been expected, but is a testable hypothesis Legumes and hulled wheat were targeted and studied are easy
worthy of study in longitudinal micro and regional studies. to grow and provide excellent nutritional value. This is why a
Nonetheless, the total number of landraces as well as the area large number of old traditional varieties remain in different
planted to landraces in Turkey, especially in the marginal and regions of marginal areas. Traditional cultivars and/or landraces
remote areas, appears to be declining over time. So in situ on- are highly esteemed due to their excellent quality and are not
farm conservation is necessary for maintain the existing land normally known outside their production area. Generally, small
races. farmers or gardeners grow these varieties marginally. These
growers continue to cultivate these crops mainly for cultural
On-farm conservation traditions (Tan, 2009, Tan, 2010).
The conservation of plant genetic resources is important for the Morphologically diverse landrace has been characterized by a
sustainable protection of genetic diversity. Legume landraces have combination of continuous and categorical morphological
significant diversity in Turkey. On-farm conservation is one of the descriptors, morphometric measurements of plants, flowers,
ways of the landrace protection. So, on-farm conservation of food pods, seed and leaf characters of legumes. Particularly in the
legume (lentil-Lens culinaris, chickpea-Cicer arietum and beans- villages of study site currently in use are landraces of Phaseolus
Phaseolus vulgaris and Ph. coccineus) and hulled wheat (einkorn- vulgaris that display a wide range of seed and color patterns,
Triticum monococcum and emmer Triticum dicoccum) local maintained for generations by farmers, contributing to the genetic
cultivars (landraces were studied with active participation of resources. The morphological trait data set provided the
farmers in North Western Transitional Region where those opportunity to analyze the diversity patterns of hulled wheat, both
traditional varieties are still grown. Socioeconomic and T. monococcum and T. dicoccum, morphology. Variation among
ecogeographical surveys were conducted in five provinces of the the spike, spikelet and floret, awn traits were observed in hulled
study area to determine the distribution of land races and socio- wheat landraces. Taking into account those diversity, at the end
economic status of land races cultivation and the landraces were of the evaluation various factors three villages were selected for
recorded, collected and maintained as ex situ at National Gene the on-farm conservation of each species (Tan, 2009, Tan, 2010,
Bank. Therefore seed of this landrace is currently available for Tan et al., 2010).
research. The collected landraces of legumes were characterized
and candidate genetic reserves were determined as possible in References
situ (on-farm) conservation areas for legume landraces.
Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to analyze, Tan, A. 2009. The Possiblity of on-farm conservation of Genetic
interpret and map the data compiled from socio-economic and Diversity of Transitional Region of Turkey (Turkiye Gecit
ecogeographical surveys and agro-morphological characterization, Bolgesi genetik cesitliliginin In situ (Citci Sartlarinda)
for better understanding the eco-geographic variation of legume muhafazasi olanaklari). Anadolu, J. of AARI. 19 (1), 1-12.
landraces throughout region for assessing the possibility of in situ Tan. A. 2010. State of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
conservation on-farm. All landraces exhibited high variation of Agriculture. Second Report of Turkey on Conservation and
observed characters. But during the selection the data analysis Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources For Food
and the willingness of farmers and also whole village were taking and Agriculture., Meta Basım. Bornova (Turkish and English).
into account (Tan, 2009, Tan, 2010, Tan et al., 2010). Tan, A. Aykas, L. Tan. A.S., Abay, C. Peskircioglu, M. and
Forty seven villages and one hundred and seventy one farmers Dedeoglu, F. 2010. In situ On-farm Management of Grain
from 5 provinces were visited in the North West transitional region Legumes Land Races in Turkey. Legumes for Global Health
of Turkey. One thousand eight hundred forty six land races of 5th International Food Legumes Research Conference
different crop species from study area were recorded. (IFLRC V) and 7th European Conference on Grain Legumes
The landraces in the transitional Region have evolved in response (AEP VII), April 26-30, 2010, Antalya.
to wide variations in local conditions, combined with the careful
seed selection and management practices of farmers.
Landraces Issue 1 October 2012
20

Collection, regeneration, morphological characterization

and conservation of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]
landraces in Turkey
A. Kir1 and A. Tan2
1 Food, Agricultural and Livestock Ministry of Turkey, General
Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies, Aegean Agricultural
Research Institute, Department of Organic Farming, P.O.Box.9 35661
Menemen/İzmir/Turkey. E-mail: alev.kir@aari.gov.tr

2 Food, Agricultural and Livestock of Turkey, General Directorate of

Agricultural Research and Policies, Aegean Agricultural Research
Institute, Department of Plant Genetic Resources , P.O.Box.9 35661
Menemen/İzmir/Turkey

Turkey is the one of the most significant countries for plant

genetic resources and plant diversity in the world. Many
agricultural crop species are part of the native Anatolian flora
and domesticated 3000-7000 years ago, or they have gradually
been introduced through cultural exchanges held with other
civilizations in ancient times.
Although the native country of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.)
Walp.) is uncertain and cowpea originated in Africa, where it is
grown throughout the tropics and subtropics. After it was
introduced into Anatolia, its cultivation spread throughout most
of the country. With its widespread distribution, natural and
artificial selection by farmers has resulted in a great diversity of
landraces. In many regions of Turkey, diverse cowpea
landraces have gradually been developed over time.
A five-year project funded by the Food, Agricultural and
Livestock Ministry of Turkey, General Directorate of Agricultural
Research and Policies activities is currently in its third year.
Given the diversity of cowpea landraces in Turkey, populations
of cowpea were collected, regenerated, conserved in cold
storage conditions according to in-situ conservation methods at
the National Gene Bank (NGB) of the Aegean Agricultural
Research Institute (AARI) and were also evaluated agro-
morphologically. A total of 235 landrace accessions mainly
from the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey were
used to evaluate 51 qualitative and quantitative agro-
morphological characteristics in the landrace samples. In the
first 3 years of the project, 155 cowpea (V. unguiculata L.)
landrace accessions were surveyed and collected,
regenerated, morphologically characterized and conserved. Above :
The goal of this project is to identify drought-tolerant and Cowpea diversity in
drought-sensitive of cowpea landraces by screening the Turkey (Photo: A. Kir)
material under field conditions and use the raw materials for and
breeding activities and sustainable use in organic and Agricultural landscape
sustainable cultivation in Turkey. For this purpose, cowpea div ers it y nearby
landraces collected from possible distribution areas of Turkey Aphrodisias (Photo: T.
and accessions of cowpea at the NGB-AARI have been Tesei).
regenerated and enriched by the addition of new accession
materials. While, raw materials, including local germplasm and
landrace accessions of the cowpea have been cultivated in Left: Cickpeas in a shop
organic and sustainable farming systems in Turkey, new and of Avanos (Photo: T.
more qualified varieties can undoubtedly be bred for different Tesei).
areas of use and the plant genetic resources of cowpea can
also be bred and produced to meet the needs of organic
farmers’ needs.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 21

Phenotypic and qualitative In the present work, data on the main morpho-agronomic traits
evaluation of faba bean and chemical and nutritive characteristics are recorded and
landraces in Central Italy determined on landrace accessions of field beans belonging to a
collection established in the Umbria Region (Central Italy). In this
area field bean is also used as a typical product in human
R. Torricelli , M. Pauselli, E. Cestola, M. nutrition. In the Amerino district (TR, Italy) some farmers grow a
Falcinelli field bean landrace called “fava cottora” because it has a short
cooking time and recently became a part of the Slow Food
Department of Applied Biology, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Presidium.
Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia , Italy. E-mail: torricel@unipg.it
Materials and methods
Introduction A total of 10 field bean populations were compared: 5 local
Vicia faba (2n=2x=12) originated in the Mediterranean- accessions (landraces) were collected in Umbria from local
West Asia region during the Neolithic period and is farmers, 1 accession from the Seed Bank of the Department of
presently cultivated in many temperate regions. It is one of Applied Biology and 4 commercial varieties (Table 1). These
the oldest legume crops mainly grown for human and were grown in the Amelia (Central Italy) area in on-farm trials
animal dietary needs. Like other grain legumes it during the 2006-2007 in a randomized block design with four
contributes to sustainable agriculture by fixing atmospheric replicates. Each plot consisted of two rows. The distance from
nitrogen and in the past played an important role in the plant to plant was 5 cm and from row to row 50 cm. The field trial
Mediterranean Basin crop systems. began on November 11, 2006. Morpho-agronomic traits were
The broad bean (V. faba var. faba) is mostly grown as a evaluated according to UPOV methods, while the carbohydrate
grain vegetable because of its large seed size, while the and protein fractions were determined according to the Goering
horse bean (V. faba var. equina Pers.) and tick bean (V. and Van Soest methods and CNCPS model, respectively
faba var. minor Peterm.) are grown primarily for animal (Tables 2 and 3). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out
feed or as a green manure crop; in Europe, the two latter for morphological traits and the structure of genetic variation
varieties are referred to as field beans (Bond et al. 1985). among field bean populations based on chemical and
In the Mediterranean area these species are very morphological traits was analysed using Principal Component
important; unfortunately, cultivation of these crops has Analysis (PCA). All data were computed using the SAS
dipped in the last decades, although in recent years their statistical package.
importance has increased due to difficulties in sourcing GM
-free soya beans and is also being used as feed in organic
animal production systems as a protein source. Faba bean
breeding has proceeded very slowly and with only a few
interesting results. This is due to difficulties in pollination
control and to the limited gene pool due to incompatibility
with all other species of the genus (Bond 1987). More than
90 cultivars of V. faba are registered in the European
Community Catalogue, half of which are Dutch, 18 British
and 15 Italian. Most of the Italian varieties were registered
before 1990.
Improvement in seed yield and yield stability are the
primary objectives of most faba bean breeding
programmes. However, other objectives such as resistance
Above: Field bean seeds of landrace (Photo: R. Torricelli)
to the main biotic and abiotic stresses and obtaining
genotypes that are free of certain anti-nutritional
substances, are also important.

Above: Field bean legumes of landrace (Photo: R. Torricelli) Above: On-farm trial (Photo: R. Torricelli)

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

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Table 2. Mean and significance level from morphological characterisation

Table 1. Faba bean accessions used in the present study with of 10 field bean accessions
their origin.
N Morphological traits Significance Mean
N. Type of material Origin
1 Plant development *** 3.13
1 Landrace S. Venanzo (TR - Italy)
2 Time of flowering (days from 1st April) *** 6.90
2 Landrace “Fato” Umbria region (Department Applied Biology) 3 Plant height (cm) *** 67.93
3 Landrace Amelia ( TR - Italy ) 4 Stem number *** 2.57
4 Landrace Amelia ( TR - Italy ) 5 Diameter of stem ns 0.85
5 Landrace Amelia ( TR - Italy ) 6 Stem colour at maturity ** 1.79
6 Merkur (cultivar) Czech Republic 7 Leaflet number on the fourth node *** 4.66
7 Prothabat 69 (cultivar) Spain 8 Leaf dimensions *** 2.27
8 Castel (cultivar) France 9 Flower number on the fourth node *** 5.65
9 Landrace Amelia ( TR - Italy ) 10 Pod angle at maturity ns 1.64
10 Vesuvio (cultivar) Italy 11 Pod length *** 6.87
12 Pod width *** 0.79
13 Pod shape ns 1.13
Results and discussion 14 Seeds per pod *** 2.51
15 Pod number on the fourth node ns 1.38
Except for stem diameter, pod angle at maturity, pod
16 Seed dimension *** 1.88
shape, pod number at the fourth node and seed shape, 17 Seed shape ns 2.90
ANOVA showed significant (P £ 0.01) variability among 18 Seed colour *** 2.80
populations for the evaluated traits (Table 2). The 19 Hilum colour ** 1.63
principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the 20 Thousand seed weight (g) *** 557,55
first two components accounted for 49.04% of the total 21 Seed production (kg ha-1) *** 2497.00
variation (table not shown). The first component, which
accounts for 30.37% of the total variance, is positively Table 3. Chemical characteristics determined in 10 field bean accessions
correlated with seed weight and protein related to the
NDF and negatively correlated with flowering time. The N. Chemical parameter
second component which accounts for 18.70% of total 1 Hemicellulose
2 Cellulose
variance, is positively correlated with seed shape and
3 Lignin (ADL)
negatively correlated with pod width, Soluble Protein 4 Crude Protein (PG)
fraction and B1 protein fraction. A scatter plot of the 10 5 Neutral Detergent Insoluble Protein (NDIP)
populations against the first two components is shown 6 Acid Detergent Insoluble Protein (ADIP)
(Fig. 1). 7 Non Protein Nitrogen (Fraction A)
8 Rapid degradable protein in the rumen (Fraction B1)
9 Intermediate degradable protein (Fraction B2)
Conclusions 10 Slowly degradable protein (Fraction B3)
The results show that some morphological and 11 Not available Protein (fraction C) bound to ADF
12 Soluble Protein (SOLP)
physiological traits can be used to discriminate field bean
13 NPN/SOLP
populations as well as some ruminal protein degradability
parameters according to the CNPS model. Landrace
“FATO”, cv Vesuvio and Merkur which are commonly
used in animal nutrition were well separated from the
accession landraces collected in the Amerino district (TR
Italy) commonly used as a typical product for human
nutrition. Prothabat 69 and Castel cv showed
intermediate behaviour. Amino acid and anti-nutritional
factors are currently being determined to better
characterise and enhance the value of these important
genetic plant resources.

References
Bond, D. A., Lawes, G. C. Hawtin, M. C. Saxena, and J.
H. Stephens. (1985). Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), pp.
199-265. In Grain Legume Crops, eds R. J.
Summerfield & E. H. Roberts. Collins, London.
Bond D. A. 1987. Recent developments in breeding of
Figure 1. Scatter plot showing morpho-agronomic and chemical and nutritive characteristics
field beans (Vicia faba L.). Plant Breed. 99: 1–26. variation in the 10 field beans populations obtained from the first two components of principle
components analysis.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 23

Hence, participatory breeding projects have been developed as

Maize traditional landraces in a way to respond to specific local problems, when the
management of quality/quantity is of particular relevance.
Portugal: past, present or The VASO project (Sousa Valley, Portugal) began in 1985 and is
future? a milestone in participatory maize breeding. Silas Pego started
the project to improve regional genetic resources of maize (for
bread production), respecting local traditions and involving
P. Mendes-Moreira1,2,3 and M. C. Vaz Patto2,3 farmers in the breeding programs. The interest that the VASO
project created led to immediate funding by CYMMIT, until
1- Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra. Departamento de Ciências
Agronómicas. E-mail: pmoreira@esac.pt.
Portugal joined the EU in 1986. While visiting Portugal in 1985,
2 – Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica (ITQB). Universidade Wayne Haag (CYMMIT director of the maize breeding program in
Nova de Lisboa. the Mediterranean area), said “where in America do we have
3 - Associação ZEA + open pollinated populations with these yields?” This project,
unlike the national breeding programs already discontinued (e.g.
Germplasm from its early beginning NUMI for maize breeding) despite decades of successes (e.g.,
Genetic resources are one of the most important legacies of our maize HP21 and HB3), remains active and is continuing in the
ancestors and they make us different as a people. It is therefore farmer fields with the support of ESAC, the Lousada Municipality
necessary to study and better understand genetic resources in and CGAVS. Thus, it is still providing a product geared to the
its broadest sense because to store them in gene banks is not farmers’ needs (e.g. production of maize for bread, polycropping
enough. systems) that can compete with the commercial seed.
Maize was introduced into Portugal after Columbus and first Interestingly, the VASO project began in a breeding station
appeared in the fields of the Coimbra region (Ferrão, 1992). (NUMI) where awareness of the importance of genetic resources
Maize has been cultivated primarily in the north central regions and its long term improvement already existed.
of the country and the Algarve, and was responsible for the
agricultural revolution of the XVII and XVIII centuries, shaping The available resources led Silas Pego to choose germplasm
landscape and culture. The orographic and climatic differences, and farmers in marginal environments (Moreira, 2006). The
as well as the human component, were responsible for over five breeding experiments were carried out simultaneously by
centuries of biodiversity development that transformed maize farmers and breeders in the farmers’ fields which meant that
from an adapting crop to one of the most important crops in information flowed from breeder to farmer and vice versa. This
terms of production. was also a faster way to disseminate innovation among
neighboring farmers. However, agricultural policies have frozen
National seed facts the innovation flows over the past decades and the majority of
In 2008 the production value of the national seed sector was farmers have migrated or emigrated. Hence a remnant of a few
197 million Euros, corresponding to 2.8% of the Portuguese participating farmers has survived. For this reason the number of
agricultural GDP. In the same year, 4.6 million Euros worth of farmers is not the issue, but rather the solid practice of this long
cereal and vegetable seeds were exported , while 53.2 million term experience. The VASO experience is currently being used
Euros worth of seed were imported (INE, 2009). In 2007, the to engage new farmers in participatory plant breeding. This
weight of seeds and plants used in intermediate consumption for project is an experience that allows new farmers to listen to the
the production of cereals ranged from 6.4% in rice to 13.5% in older ones and for this reason, the VASO farmers’ remnant is a
arable crops, while for vegetables the variation was 16.5% in source of inspiration for new projects and paradigms.
extensive to 21.6% in intensive horticulture (RICA, 2007). In
2011, 137,413 ha were in maize production in Portugal (87737
ha grain, IFAP/DRACA). These facts can serve as a guide in Towards new approaches
future planning for research and teaching. In parallel with the VASO Project, many other farmers throughout
the country have maintained their genetic resources using on-
The VASO project: genesis and network motivation farm conservation. This on-farm conservation is generally not
The “Green Revolution” was only achieved on the basis of the exclusively market-oriented since self-supply is an important
scientific discoveries of Darwin and Mendel. According to Duvick dimension of farming decisions. This is why traits such as
(2005), the genetic and agronomic components were each organoleptic, cooking and processing qualities are highly valued
responsible for 50% of the maize production increase reached in (VazPatto et al., 2007; Dinis, 2011; Mendes-Moreira and Pego
the U.S. corn belt. These yield increases were due, in part, to 2011)
the inbred line- hybrid concept and dwarfism. In addition, the For traditional maize landraces, one of the most important traits is
discoveries of Liebig (principles of nutrition), Haber-Bosch technological capacity for baking. The traditional Portuguese
(ammonia production) and pest control were crucial factors that maize bread, “broa”, has great potential to address current food
resulted in the tripling of the world's agricultural production in and environmental concerns. With the possibility of being a
less than a century. However, the replacement of local varieties gluten-free product, if 100% maize is used, it is suitable for
by these higher yielding varieties has led to a huge loss of celiacs (Brites et al., 2010). It still plays an important role in the
diversity. In addition, in many cases these high yielding varieties rural economy of the central and northern regions of Portugal and
do not produce well in marginal environments (Ceccarelli and has an increased market value due to its health benefits. In
Grando, 2007). additional it may be a way to preserve the biodiversity of farm
ecosystems that are currently threatened by producing its raw
materials, the traditional maize varieties.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 24

Given these characteristics, repeated missions were taken to -Characterization of the germplasm organoleptic quality (aroma
Portuguese farmers' fields to collect much of the national and flavors), in addition to its nutritional value (antioxidant
maize germplasm that possesses the technological capacity composition) (Belo et al., 2011).
needed for the production of maize bread (Vaz Patto et al., -Participatory plant breeding is currently expanding the VASO
2007). The collected germplasm is now being studied to better Project with serious commitment by new farmers. Thus, some
understand and use a dynamic perspective. To achieve this concepts regarding theoretical and practical selection are being
goal, several research teams were involved in a maize cluster shared with farmers.
to study he ethnobotanical, agronomic, quantitative genetics, -Germplasm testing through several trials established throughout
molecular genetics, quality parameters and socio-economic Portugal, in six environments of organic farming, low input and
aspects. The research done by this maize cluster was made conventional farming.
possible by a successful application for research funding at the -Simultaneous assessment of the effect of mass (by the farmer)
national level (e.g., 2010-2013-PTDC/AGR-ALI/099285/2008; and recurrent selection by S2 lines (breeder), thus allowing the
2007-2010-PTDC/AGR-AAM/70845/2006; 2005-2008-POCI/ farmers to compare their selection with that of the breeder.
AGR/57994/2004) and internationally (e.g. FP7-SOLIBAM).
The aim of the SOLIBAM project is to develop innovative
approaches that integrate plant breeding and cultivation
techniques. These approaches foster an increased crop
performance, quality; sustainability and stability in organic (that
in 2009, represented 3% of national UAA and 0.4% of total
farms the Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, particular attention
has been given to the development of strategies for
participatory plant breeding and farm management on small
farms and marginal environments (SOLIBAM, 2012). Above: Diversity among selected ears. Above: Farmers meeting and selection
It should be noted that a permanent team with a projected of farmers ears type.
time line of more than 20 years is crucial for long term
conservation and breeding. Unfortunately, project funds are This assessment was possible because samples of the selected
usually only granted for three-year periods. material were kept in cold storage. In the case of the 'Pigarro' and
'Fandango' samples, they were systematically harvested and kept
in cold storage since 1985 (Mendes-Moreira et al., 2008; Mendes-
Moreira et al., 2009).
-At the same time, in order to support and improve the above-
mentioned germplasm, molecular tools have been developed,
such as molecular markers associated with genes that control
agronomic and quality characteristics (Vaz Patto et al., 2009).
These may be used to increase efficiency and reduce the time
needed to develope improved varieties such as raw materials to
obtain healthier bread. To this end the genetic basis of these
characteristics and the effect of environment on its expression
have been studied, combining molecular data with the field and
quality characterization (Leitão et al., 2011; Mendes Moreira et al.,
Above: Selection of the best maize ears
2011; VazPatto et al., 2009).
Above: Collecting missions in Portugal -An exhaustive characterization of molecular diversity confirmed
the richness of the national maize germplasm (Alves et al., 2009;
VazPatto et al., 2004). Moreover, a study to compare the effect of
The maize cluster work can be summarized as: the farmer’s selection in participatory breeding versus the breeder
-Germplasm exploration through collecting missions to farmers’ selection is on going and partial data have been published
fields and in complement with ethnobotanical issues (Vaz Patto (VazPatto et al., 2008).
et al., 2007). -Use of a winter nursery is an also crucial in order to accelerate
-Germplasm characterization using pre-breeding tools such as the improvement work because it allows two generations per
HUNTERS (height, uniformity, angle of insertion of the leaf, year. This work is done in collaboration with Lavras University,
flag, ears, stalk and root lodging plants) and overlap index Brazil.
(Mendes-Moreira, 2008).
-Mathematical approaches to data-characterization and its Plant breeding requires decades of continuous, persistent work,
relationship to the best ear or yield (Mendes-Moreira et al., i.e., it requires strategic and long-term vision. It creates not only
2009). seeds, but also knowledge and jobs, especially at the local and
-Characterization of the technological quality of traditional regional levels (Wolf et al., 2008). It is precisely at these levels
maize varieties for maize bread. The sensory analysis carried that the germplasm maintenance, associated with food,
out showed a preference for bread obtained from the traditional preservation of landscape and cultural systems can most easily
Portuguese flint varieties due to its better taste in comparison create wealth.
with the American dent hybrids (Briteset al., 2010). The lack of improvement programs leads to traditional varieties
-Characterization of the germplasm organoleptic quality (aroma growing apart from improved varieties, which can lead to the
and flavors), in addition to its nutritional value (antioxidant abandonment of traditional germplasm. A lack of breeding
composition) (Belo et al., 2011). programs is detrimental because Gene Banks are not useful for
direct application to agriculture. For this reason, our maize cluster
is trying to reverse this situation.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 25
Renewed interest in organic and low-input agriculture, the Dinis, I.et al (2011) On-farm seed production practices of organic
awareness of the food-energy-environment trilemma (Tilmanet and low-input farmers in Portugal. XXth EUCARPIA meeting of
al., 2009) and the fact that plant breeding should contribute to the Section Genetic Resources, April 5-7, Wageningen, The
the harmony between agriculture and the environment Netherlands.
Duvick, D.N. (2005) The Contribution of Breeding to Yield Advances
(Brummer, 2011) imply the need for change in the current plant in maize (Zea mays L.), In: L. S. Donald (Ed.), Advances in
breeding paradigm. This consciousness extends the need for Agronomy, Academic Press. pp. 83-145.
conservation of traditional varieties at the farmers' field, i.e., in Ferrão, J.E.M. (1992) A Aventura das Plantas e os Descobrimentos
situ / on farm, fostering the process of coevolution between Portugueses. Programa Nacional de Edições Comemorativas
traditional varieties and the environment. This process may dos Descobrimentos Portugueses.
include: pests and disease resistance, quality, weed competition INE (2009) Contas Económicas da Agricultura-2008, http://ine.pt/.
or ability to intercrop and interaction with beneficial soil Leitão, S.T.et al (2011) Settling the potential of Portuguese maize
microorganisms. All of these are important in the adaptation to germplasm for association studies, In Proceedings of the XXII
EUCARPIA Maize and Sorghum Conference, 20-23 June 2011.
organic and low-input farming. This type of variety maintenance
Opatija, Croatia. pp. 83.
of varieties has been discussed particularly in the ECPGR-On- Maxted, N. et al (2011) Current and future novel threats and
farm Conservation and Management Working Group and opportunities facing european crop wild relative and landrace
through the PGR Secure project (Maxted et al., 2011). diversity. In: N. Maxted, M. E. Dulloo, B. V. Ford-Lloyd, L. Frese
Our commitment has been to maintain and enhance the multi- & J. M. Iriondo (Eds) Agrobiodiversity conservation. Securing the
generation legacy and for this reason, the Zea + (Zea mais, in diversity of crop wild relatives and landraces. CABI), 392.
Portuguese) Association was created. The heritage can be Mendes-Moreiraet al (2011) QTL analysis of maize ear
squandered, maintained or multiplied. Our purpose is to multiply inflorescence in a fasciation contrasting inbreeds cross
it. PB260 x PB266. In: Proceedings of the XXII EUCARPIA Maize
and Sorghum Conference, 20-23 June. Opatija, Croatia. pp. 111.
Mendes-Moreira, P. and Pego, S. (2011) On-farm conservation and
participatory maize breeding in Portugal: an overview. P. 392.
In:Agrobiodiversity Conservation. Securing the Diversity of Crop
Wild Relatives and Landraces, Maxted, N., M.E. Dulloo, B.V.
Ford-Lloyd, L. Frese, and J.M. Iriondo (eds.). CABI.
Mendes-Moreira, P.et al (2008) Comparison of selection methods
on ‘Pigarro’, a Portuguese improved maize population with
fasciation expression. Euphytica 163:481-499. DOI: 10.1007/
s10681-008-9683-8.
Mendes-Moreiraet al (2009) ‘Fandango’: long term adaptation of
exotic germplasm to a Portuguese on-farm-conservation and
breeding project. Maydica 54:269-285.
Above: Maize bread.
Moreira, P.M. (2006) Participatory maize breeding in Portugal. A
case study. Acta Agronomica Hungarica 54:431-439.
Tilmanet al (2009) Beneficial Biofuels—The Food, Energy, and
Environment Trilemma. Science 325:270-271. DOI: 10.1126/
science.1177970.
Vaz Pattoet al (2009) Is the bread making technological ability of
portuguese traditional maize landraces associated with their
genetic diversity? Maydica:297-311.
Vaz Patto, M.C.et al (2008) Genetic diversity evolution through
participatory maize breeding in Portugal. Euphytica 161:283-291.
DOI: 10.1007/s10681-007-9481-8.
Vaz Patto, M.C.et al (2007) Collecting maize (Zea mays L. convar.
mays) with potential technological ability for bread making in
Portugal. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution 54:1555-1563.
Above: Mr. Meireles winner of Best Ear of Sousa Valley. DOI: 10.1007/s10722-006-9168-3.
Vaz Patto, M.C.et al (2004) Assessing the genetic diversity of
References Portuguese maize germplasm using microsatellite markers.
Alves,M.L.et al (2009) Assessment of physicochemical traits and molecular Euphytica 137:63-72. DOI: 10.1023/
diversity in Portuguese maize germplasm: A basis for selection of b:euph.0000040503.48448.97.
genotypes in breeding for improved maize bread quality. In: Wolfe, M.et al. (2008) Developments in breeding cereals for organic
Proceedings of the 19th EUCARPIA Conference Genetic Resources agriculture. Euphytica, 163(3): 323-346.
Section. Section (Ed.), 26-29 May 2009. Ljubljana, Slovenia. Zea+ (2010) Associação Zea mais. http://www.wix.com/
Belo, M.et al (2011) Volatile and phenolic compounds in flour of maize pmm919256447/zea
varieties used in the production of traditional breads ("broa de milho"),
In: EuroCereal 2011: Science and Technology Meeting Real World
Challenges. Chipping Campden, Egyesült Királyság, 2011.12.06- Acknowledgements
2011.12.07. To farmers, technicians and researchers that have share with us their
Brites, C.et al (2010) Maize-Based Gluten-Free Bread: Influence of knowledge and that believe in our project. To Doctor Silas Pego that
Processing Parameters on Sensory and Instrumental Quality. Food and has been a prophet.
Bioprocess Technology 3:707-715. DOI: 10.1007/s11947-008-0108-4. The summarized research has been funded by national funds
Brummer, E.C.et al (2011) Plant breeding for harmony between agriculture through FCT and presently by the project PTDC/AGR-
and the environment. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 9:561- ALI/099285/2008.
568. DOI: 10.1890/100225. The SOLIBAM (Strategies for Organic and Low-input Integrated
Ceccarelli, S. and Grando, S. (2007) Decentralized-participatory plant Breeding and Management) project is funded by the European
breeding: an example of demand driven research. Euphytica155: 349- Commission (7th Work Frame, grant agreement n° 245058)
360.

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26

On-farm management
In situ maintenance of the Resistances to ToMV and TSWV were additionally verified by
Muchamiel tomato landrace mechanical inoculation assays, and tolerance to TYLCV was
demonstrated in several assays performed in naturally infested
in the town of Muchamiel fields. As a result of the breeding program, we have obtained
promising breeding lines, with organoleptic characteristics similar to
(Alicante, Spain) the original landrace (Alonso et al., 2010) which have to be further
adapted to the specific agroclimatic conditions of different
J.J. Ruiz, S. García-Martínez, A. Alonso, F. In 1988 a collaboration agreement was signed between the
Rubio, A. Grau. University (UMH), the main farmer organization (ASAJA) and the
Council of Muchamiel. Several meetings with interested local
Department of Applied Biology, EPSO-Miguel Hernandez farmers were planned, in order to explain the aims of the
University, Crta. Beniel km 32, Orihuela (Alicante), Spain. E-mail: programme and surprisingly many farmers attended the meetings.
juanj.ruiz@umh.es Over the last 5 years, lots of seeds and seedlings corresponding to
breeding lines from both the improved landrace, with genetic
Muchamiel is a tomato landrace that is very popular in resistance to several viruses, and from the original landrace, have
southeastern Spain due to its organoleptic fruit quality. Fruit been distributed to local farmers (Table 1). Taking into account their
of the Muchamiel cultivars have a melting texture and mild own experience, farmers select the best plants in their own fields
flavor, are large in size, flattened and strongly ribbed. looking for specific adaptation. Rather than selecting a single
However, this landrace is severely endangered and at risk of cultivar, the aim of the program is to develop a range of cultivars,
extinction due to its high susceptibility to several viruses, adapted to different environments, including open field and
such as those caused by the Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), protected cultivation, with different genotypes, in order to maintain
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Tomato yellow curl their ability to evolve under different selection pressures
virus (TYLCV) (García-Martínez et al., 2011).
In 2008, we started a project in collaboration with the main
farmer organization in the area (ASAJA) and the Council of
Muchamiel, the town after which the tomato variety is
named, trying to involve local farmers, consumer
associations and local restaurants. The goal was to
preserve the genetic diversity in this small area, through the
recovery, conservation, improvement and use of the local
tomato varieties.
Above: Muchamiel landrace:
Plant breeding to promote on-farm conservation: diversity of fruit shapes.
introgression of resistant genes Above: The breeding program was
The incidence of several viruses makes the cultivation of thoroughly explained to the farmers attending
tomato landraces difficult. We have conducted a breeding the meetings.
program fto introduce three dominant genes (Tm-2a, Sw-5,
and Ty-1) that confer resistance to the three most relevant Table 1. Number of seeds and seedlings distributed to local farmers
viruses in south-eastern Spain (ToMV, TSWV and TYLCV, during the last 5 years.
respectively) into ‘Muchamiel‘ landraces. The genes Tm-2a Year Collaborator Type Condition Number Date
and Sw-5 come from the wild tomato Solanum peruvianum of plants
L., and Ty-1 originated in the accession LA1969 of another 2008 Council Breeding lines Seeds 50 May
Farmers Breeding lines Seedlings 150 April
wild tomato species, Solanum chilense (Dunal) Reiche. 2009 Council Breeding lines Seeds 6 packs x 50 seeds/pack February
Breeding lines were obtained by crossing a Muchamiel line Breeding lines Seedlings 300 March
with a commercial cultivar followed by several generations of 2010 Council Breeding lines Seeds 45 packs x 100 February
backcrossing to the Muchamiel cultivar. Marker-assisted Breeding lines Seedlings 600 April
Landraces Seeds 10 packs x 100 February
selection was used in each generation in order to select the Farmers Breeding lines Seedlings 300 April
plants that carried the three resistance genes. In addition, a 2011 Council Breeding lines Seeds 25 packs x 50 February
high selection pressure for Muchamiel characteristics was Breeding lines Seedlings 900 April
applied during each backcross generation. After additional Landraces Seeds 10 packs x 50 February
2012 Council Breeding lines Seeds 30 packs x 50 February
generations of selfing and selection, pure-breeding lines, Landraces Seeds 15 packs x 50 February
homozygous for the three introgressed virus resistance Farmers Breeding lines Seeds 5 packs x 500 February
genes, were selected from a single family whose seed was
multiplied by self-pollination. References
Resistance to ToMV and TSWV was also verified by Alonso, A., García-Martínez, S, Vázquez-Araujo, L., Ruiz, J.J. and Carbonell-
mechanical inoculation assays, and tolerance to TYLCV was Barrachina, A.A. (2010) Comparative post-harvest behaviour of traditional
demonstrated in several assays performed in naturally and virus-resistant Muchamiel tomatoes. Journal of the Science of Food &
infested fields. As a result of the breeding program, Agriculture 90:1056-1062
promising breeding lines have been obtained, with García-Martínez, S., Grau, A., Alonso, A., Rubio, F., Valero, M. and Ruiz, J.J.
(2011) UMH 1200, a Breeding Line within the Muchamiel Tomato Type
organoleptic characteristics similar to the original landrace
Resistant to Three Viruses. HortScience 46(7):1054–1055.
(Alonso et al., 2010). These have to be further adapted to
the specific agroclimatic conditions in different localities. Acknowledgements
This work was partially supported by the Spanish MICINN through projects AGL2005-
03946 and AGL2008-03822.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 27

Biodiversity of vegetable
All of these activities aim at gaining more public awareness to
landraces the biodiversity of vegetables. That may lead to a paradigm
change in our societies where vegetables are seen just as
for the public ordinary articles of daily use instead of valuables of pleasure.

W. Palme

Horticultural College and Research Institute, Vienna, Austria. E-mail:

w.palme@gartenbau.at

V
egetables are the most diverse foods we have. They differ not
only in botany and ingredients but also in texture, colour,
shape and taste more than any other aliments. If you go to
supermarket you might be impressed by the diversity of offered
goods. But at second glance you will notice that there are just 15-20
different species of vegetables to choose. We know from old garden
books and seed catalogues that in the 19th century there were at
least 50 (!) additional species in use. They disappeared because
they were not suited for large scale agrotechnical production or
whole sale marketing. For these reasons we lost many fascinating Above: An extraordinary exhibition in Viennese museum of applied
art and contemporary art showed the fascinating diversity of
and tasty vegetables in our every day menus. Solanaceae
At the Horticultural College and Research Institute Schoenbrunn in
Vienna, Austria, the Schoenbrunn Seminars have been initiated by
Wolfgang Palme – head of department of vegetable growing – and
Johann Reisinger - a chef with a focus on gastronomic specialties
and taste education.
The Schoenbrunn Seminars try to bring together propagators
throughout the food chain – people involved in growing,
commercializing, processing and consumption. Expert lectures
expound the „history“ of certain vegetables, so that specialists get a
holistic approach to the produce. Additionally, extensive exhibitions
show the diversity of species and varieties and serve as a Above: The Vegetable Orchestra of
Vienna in the famous surroundings of
documentation of the wide range of use of vegetables. Degustations
Schoenbrunn
of the raw produce help to define the diversity of flavors, which is
also held in high esteem in chef Reisinger’s kitchen.
This diversity receives great attention and is converted into culinary Above: A trumpet made from radish
delicacies, the focus being put on the character of the produce, i.e. and carrots is able to create a
its optical, haptic and sensoric identity. melodious sound
Viewing both horticultural origin and culinary outcome turns out to
give a complete picture, allowing an entirely new, holistic approach
towards vegetables that has long been forgotten in our specialized
world.
This way vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers&chilis, vegetable
roots, lettuces, cucumbers, peas&beans, spinaches, kales,
eggplants, onions and radish have been presented so far.
In 2009 an extraordinary exhibition in Viennese museum of applied
art and contemporary art was held. It was titled “Varieties” and tried
to attract attention to the biodiversity of vegetables for all senses.
Unknown vegetables of Solanaceae grown by the Horticultural
Research Institute were presented by an Ikebana artist. A composer
wrote a special piece of modern music for choir. Additionally,
culinary delicacies provided a holistic pleasure for more than 400
visitors of the event.
In 2011 the Vegetable Orchestra of Vienna
(www.vegetableorchestra.org) played a concert on the location of
Horticultural Research Institute in the center of famous
Schoenbrunn area. Therefor special music instruments like radish
trumpets or turnip drums were created. They completed the strange
sound of leek violins, carrot flutes, cucumberophones and eggplant Above: Johann Reisinger (left), the chef, and
cymbals. Wolfgang Palme, the researcher, initiated the
Schoenbrunn Seminars of vegetable biodiversity

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

28

Genetic resources and Each region has its own specific and qualitative fruit varieties. For
instance, Shirvan is famous for pomegranate and quince,
prospects for the use of fruit Nakhchivan for apricot and peach, Shaki-Zagatala for walnut and
hazelnut, Ganja-Gazakh for grapevine, cornelian cherry and
crops in the Azerbaijan cherry, Absheron for almond, pistachio, fig and grapevine, Guba-
Khachmaz for apple and pear. Walnut, hazelnut, chestnut
persimmon, dogwood and tens of other species available on the
M.K. Musayev and Z.I. Akparov southern slopes of the Caucasus mountains that are used by
Genetic Resources Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy people for food. Landraces of these species are available on
of Sciences farmers’ land located in this region. Large diversity of apple, pear,
mulberry, medlar, dogwood and other crops is widespread in this
Introduction territory. At one time, wild and cultivated medlar, pomegranate,
Extreme diversity of the soil and climatic conditions in Azerbaijan sweet cherry, cherry, grape covered large areas in he riverbank
support a very rich diversity of plant genetic resources. More than woodlands together with other forest plants.
4700 higher plants have been registered , 237 of which are The Lankaran-Astara region has valuable varieties of blackberry,
endemic. During archaeological excavations near Nakhchivan, fig, pomegranate, bush cherry plum, dog-rose and citrus plants,
scientists found 500,000-year-old grapevine leaves that were while Absheron has varieties of grape, fig, pistachio, almond,
charred. Historically wild fruits were used by people for food, oleaster, mulberry, quince and pomegranate where these crops
medicinal crops and for other purposes. Azerbaijan is considered grow naturally or are cultivated by farmers on their land and
one of evolution centers of cultivated plants. Archaeological orchards. Areas of wild grape, strawberry, raspberry, and other
findings prove that the history of horticulture and viticulture in berries are distributed throughout the republic. At one time, a
Azerbaijan dates back at least 6,000-7,000 years. Almost all of number of fruit crops including cornel, sweet cherry, cherry,
the present-day major cultivated plants appeared for the first time pomegranate, quince, fig (Ficus carica L., F. hyrcana Grossh.),
in Azerbaijan several millennia B.C. Signs of farming and ancient pear, grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and other fruits were widespread in
horticulture discovered in a settlement west of the town of Goy- the territory occupied by Armenia, and were used by the local
Gol date back to the early second millennium B.C. Fruit crops people. In the Guba-Khachmaz region more than one hundred
(apple, pear, apricot, pomegranate, quince, fig, almond, walnut, varieties of apple– Sari tursh, Jirhaji, Sikhijani, Ayyubi, Shirvan
hazelnut etc) and grape have been cultivated to meet the gozeli, Jibir, Gand alma; pear – Nar armud, Abbasbayi, Jirnadiri,
demand of the population for foodstuff and other products. Most Ispigi, Kurduku, Nargila, Bildirchin budu, etc. are found, often in
of these crops are still considered major agricultural crops in the fruit gardens, especially in amateur gardeners’ courtyards. More
country. Historical facts and excavations carried out in Gazakh, valuable varieties of grapevine and stone-fruits are cultivated in
Agstafa, Agdam, Mingechevir and other areas have testified that extensive areas of Nakhchevan AR. Particularly famous are some
cultivation of the main fruit crops in Azerbaijan was highly varieties of apricot (Armeniaca vulgaris Lam.); peach (Persica
developed in the Bronze Age (middle of 2nd millennium B.C.). vulgaris Mill.) – Salami, Zafarani, Juyur, Agh kustu, Agh nazli;
plum – Gara albukhara, Sari albukhara, Khatini; alycha (Prunus
Materials and methods
cerasifera Ehrh. var. divaricata (Ledeb.) L.H.Bailey) –
Materials for research included the local varieties and wild
Goychasultani, Shabrani, Payiz malasi, Agh alycha; walnut –
relatives of fruit crops grown in field collections of the Institute of
Sugra, Seyfi, Araz, Disar, etc. A number of local varieties of
Genetic Resources of the National Academy of Sciences of
pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) – Guloysha, Malas, Shahnar,
Azerbaijan and other institutions and by farmers in different
Balmursal, Girmizigabig, Nazikgabig and etc.; quince (Cydonia
regions of the country.
oblonga Mill.) – Jardam, Gara heyva, Sari heyva, Armudu heyva,
Phenological phases, growth, biomorphological description and
Qaraman, as well as alycha, plum, sloe, grapevine, etc. are
productivity, fruit quality traits, resistance to disease and pests
cultivated in the Shirvan region. Aboriginal varieties of olive (Olea
were studied by using the common description methods of fruit
europaea L.) – Shirin zeytun, Azerbaijan zeytunu, Armudu zeytun,
plants (Michurinsk, 1973, Michurinsk, 1980).
Baki zeytunu; fig (Ficus carica L.) – Absheron sari injiri,
Results and discussion Buzovburnu, Goy injir, Gara injir, Boz injir, Sumakh injiri, Payiz
In the territory of Azerbaijan there are 149 species of fruit crops injiri; almond (Amygdalus communis L.) – Nazikgabig, Sarayi,
belonging to 39 genera and 15 families. The high number of Mardakan; pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) – Amirjan, Bulbula, Narinji,
genera and species of wild fruit and fruit-berry plants sprouting Zumrud, etc. are cultivated in the Absheron region. In Shaki-
up in forests and rural regions of Azerbaijan provides the greatest Zagatala region ancient landraces of hazelnut (Corylus avellana
diversity of fruit crops: Amygdalus communis L., Amygdalus L.) – Ata-Baba, Yaghli findig, Sachagli findig, Ganja findigi;
fenzliana (Fritsch) Lipsky., Armeniaca vulgaris Lam., Berberis walnut (Juglans regia L.) – Jar, Dundi, Gum, Tala, Zagatala;
vulgaris L., Castanea sativa Mill., Cerasus avium (L.) Moench, C. chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) – Khanlig, Ashig, Farash,
vulgaris Mill., Cornus mas L., Corylus avellana L., Crataegus Barguvara, etc. are grown. A number of landraces of apple, pear,
orientalis Pall. ex M. Bieb., Cydonia oblonga Mill., Diospyros quince pomegranate, grapevine plants are cultivated in the
lotus L., Ficus carica L., Fragaria vesca L., Hippophae courtyards of Garabagh.
rhamnoides L., Juglans regia L., Malus domestica Borkh., There are many aboriginal varieties of stone-fruits, berries and
Mespilus germanica L., Morus L., Persica vulgaris Mill., Pistacia subtropical fruits, as well as grapevine, for example, cornelian
mutica Fisch. & C. A. Mey., Pistacia vera L., Prunus cerasifera cherry (Cornus mas L.) – Armudu zogal, Challak zogal, Girda
Ehrh., P.domestica L., P.spinosa L., Punica granatum L., zogal, Dilimli zogal, Gara zogal, Sari Kahraba zogal, Irimeyvali
Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Pyrus communis L., Rubus L., Vitis zogal in the Ganja-Gazakh region. Besides the above-mentioned
vinifera L. subsp. sativa D.C., V. vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (C. fruit varieties, tea and citrus plants, as well as various varieties of
C. Gmel.) Hegi. and etc. (Akparov, Imamaliev and Musayev, feijoa, are grown in courtyards and on farms in the Lankaran-
2003., Asadov and Asadov, 2001., Safarov, 1979). Astara region (Imamaliyev, 1988., Hasanov and Aliev, 2007).

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

 29
Vitis vinifera L. In spite of the fact that newly formed sectors will be growing both
Azerbaijan is also one of the centers of origin and domestication of table and wine grape varieties there is a preference for wine
grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Here there are many wild grapevine grape varieties because the processing industries in Azerbaijan
forms (V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris (C. C. Gmel.) Hegi.) and and in the neighboring countries (Russia, Ukraine, etc.) are
aboriginal grapevine varieties (V. vinifera ssp. sativa D.C.). It may interested in the supply of white and dark wine varieties of grape
be concluded that wild grape spread throughout the whole territory needed to produce high-quality wine products.
of Azerbaijan in ancient times. Wild grape of Azerbaijan can be The large industries that grow table grape varieties show a
distinguished by some very specific characteristics. It is preference for early-ripening varieties such as Ag Khalily,
distributed throughout the territory of Azerbaijan from 12 m below Novrast and Gara kishmish due to commercial purposes.
sea-level (Kyur riverside, Salyan region) to 2000 m above sea- Grapes of the indigenous seedless or semi-seedless varieties
level (Gusar region). Wild grape grows on n the slopes of such as Askery, Ag oval kishmish, Nakhchyvan chehraiyee
mountains, in forests, along the riverbanks and other places. kishmish, Gara kishmish, Girda kishmish, etc. are grown on
N. Vavilov (1931) said: "All existing data indicate that South private farms and are mostly used for food and to prepare jam.
Caucasus is the main hearth of origin of wild and cultivated Raisins are only prepared in the Nakhchyvan region in the home
grapevine". This opinion is confirmed by the high number of using traditional methods for these varieties.
autochthonous varieties with ample diversity of berry colour and The chemical traits of wine grape varieties grown in Azerbaijan
technological aptitudes; historical information; linguistic and folk make it possible to prepare a wide assortment of high-quality
data; and certainly, rich palaeobotanical artefacts and wines. At present, the grape processing industries of Azerbaijan
archaeological findings discovered since the "Shomutapa culture", mainly produce natural and special (dessert, etc) wines.
dates back to VI-IV millennium BC (Akparov et al. 2010).
Hundreds (more than 600) of landraces of grapevine are grown in Pyrus communis L.
the Republic. White, red, black, pink colored table, technical and Since ancient times, our paternal-grandfathers have collected
seedless grapevine varieties including: many pear species from the forests that have valuable
For example: Agh shani, Absheron,s gyzyl uzumu, Alvan, Amiri, characteristics and have cultivated them in courtyards. As a result
Gara shani, Sharigila, Kharci, Askari, Misgali, Hachabash, hundreds of aboriginal varieties were selected. According to
Gazandayi, Khalili, Agh Sahibi, Agh Aldara, At uzum, Aghri, Ahmad Rajabli (Rajabli, 1966), there were more than 400 ancient
Rishbaba, Chilal, Kishmishi, Tulkuguyrugu, Huseyni, Madrasa, selected varieties of pear in Azerbaijan and half of them are in
Marmari, Bandi, Qara Aldara, Qoc uzumu, Tabrizi, Molla Ahmadi, danger of extinction. Some of the pear varieties (Pyrus communis
Malayi, Novrast, Karimgandi, Durna gozu, Davagozu,Kechiamcayi, L.) are: Abbasbeyi, Adil armud, Agh armud, Agh gulabi,
Khazri, Gizil uzum, Chil uzum, Beylagani, Khan uzum, Pishras, Aghagormez, Aghsach armud, Akhund armudu, Alcha armud, Bal
Mahmudabi, Khindogny, Hafizeli, Hachabash, Haji Abbas, armud, Bekmez armud, Bey armudu, Bildirchin budu, Chaltik
Hamashara, Shiray, Shirvanshahi, Shireyi, Shirshira, Shafeyi, armud, Chil armud, Jirnadiri, Dara giragi armud, Gabakh armud,
Shakarbura, Shahangir, Shakari, Sisag, etc. are cultivated here. Gakh armud, Gala armud, Garpiz armud, Gelinbarmaghi,
Most of them are only grown in definite areas and in private Gorkhmazi, Govun gara armud, Goy armud, Gum armud, Gurula
courtyards by amateur gardeners (Salimov and Musayev, 2007). armud, Gush armud, Hajiarmud, Hazar armud, Jardahan armud,
Jir Fisinjan, Jir Nabi armud, Khar armud, Letenzi, Molla Subhi,
Mukhtar armud, Nar armud, Nelbeki armud, Nurun-burun,
Ordubadi armud, Ozeksis armud, Peyghambari armud, Reihan
armud, Saranduz armud, Sari armud, Sari-bal armud, Shaftali
armud, Shekeri, Shikh armud, Sultani, Nargile, Sulu armud, Tursh
sini armud, Turshmalasi armud, Usun armud, Usun sap armud,
Yag armud, Yemish armudu etc.
These varieties differ with respect to ripening time (summer,
autumn and winter), size, taste quality, productivity and other
factors, for instance, Aghagormez and Bildirchin budu are early
ripening, while Goy armud is very productive (1 ton per tree).
Given all of these varieties, one can still find new species both in
the forests and on farms.

Above: Grape variety Sarıgile Above: Grape variety Nakchivan

High quality products-jams, “doshab”, vinegar, “abgora”, “sucuq”,

“kishmish”, “movuc”, “lavashana”, juice, syrup, vines and alcohol,
which are made from grapevine in different regions of Azerbaijan
show that grapevine-growing develops expediently. Above: Apricot variety Schalaq Limonlu
Owing to the soil-climatic conditions of Azerbaijan vine-growing
and wine-making has been developed here in various ecological Armeniaca vulgaris Lam.
directions. The vine plantations are mainly grown in the private The soil and climate conditions in Azerbaijan is very favorable for
and farm sectors. Table grapevine varieties are mostly grown in apricot (Armeniaca vulgaris Lam.) cultivation and it has been
private vineyards (the subsidiary sector). The gathered harvest is growing here since ancient times.
used for food.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

30

Apricot was developed 3000 years ago in the Zuvad area

including the Nahkchevan and Lankaran-Astara regions. Apricot
plays an important role in fruit-growing of Southern Azerbaijan.
Dried apricots are highly prized on world markets. Ordubad is
world famous for its valuable apricot varieties. The apricot
varieties in Ordubad are distributed widely in Armenia and
Georgia. Besides Nakhchevan AR, apricot has been developed in
the Goychay, Aghdam, Aghdash, Tar-Tar, Yevlakh, Kurdamir,
Khachmaz, Ganja, Gazakh, etc. regions of Azerbaijan since
Above: Farmer Haci Salman, Above: Farmer Haci Salmans,
ancient times. Thus, several old landraces, varieties that differ
Quba d. Alpan village Apple orchard
with respect to some pomological and agricultural traits, are
cultivated in the republic. (Talibov and Babayeva, 1997). Some
examples of these traits include::
Skin colour – Hagverdi (white-red), Agh Teberze, Agh tokhum
shamsi, Agh Novrasta, Gorkhmazi, Aghjabanat, Khurmayi, Badam
erik (yellowish), Goy badam, Ordubadi (golden-yellow), Qaysi,
Girmizi Novrasta (yellow-red), Sari Teberze (yellow),
Khosrovshahi (yellow, reddish), Girmizi tokhum shamsi (dark-
yellow), Abutalibi ( green-yellow, reddish-orange), Shalakh (pink-
yellow,red), Goyjanabat (green-orange-pink), Girmizi Teberze
(dark-pink); Above: Farmer Haci Salmans, Above: Farmer Haci Salmans, Old
New walnut garden walnut garden
Pulp colour – Agh Novrasta (white), Gorkhmazi (white-green),
Girmizi Novrasta (orange), Abutalibi, Hagverdi, Teberze, Agh
Teberze (Balyarim), Sari Teberze, Agh tokhum shamsi,
Gorkhmazi, Aghjanabat, Khurmayi, Qaysi, Khosrovshahi, Girmizi
tokhum shamsi (yellowish), Goy badam, Ordubadi (golden);
Late flowering varieties – Abutalibi, Khosrovshahi, Teberze, Sari
Teberze, Girmizi Teberze, Badam erik, Agh tokhum shamsi;
Early ripening varieties – Qaysi, Agh tokhum shamsi, Girmizi
Novrasta, Shalakh, Agh tokhum shamsi, Girmizi tokhum shamsi,
Badam erik; middle ripening varieties – Teberze, Sari Teberze,
Girmizi Teberze, Agh Teberze (Balyarim), Hagverdi, Gorkhmazi;
late ripening varieties – Abutalibi, Khosrovshahi, Goy badam,
Ordubadi;
Aromatic varieties – Goyjanabat, Hagverdi, Goy badam, Ordubadi;
Productive varieties – Shalakh, Khosrovshahi, Badam erik,
Abutalibi, Sari Teberze; Above: Rural farmers market Gabala d, Vendam village
Varieties suitable for drying – Abutalibi, Khosrovshahi, Teberze,
Sari Teberze, Girmizi Teberze, Agh Teberze (Balyarim), Agh
tokhum shamsi, Badam erik, Aghjanabat, Khurmayi, Goy badam,
Ordubadi, Goyjanabat;
Frost- resistant varieties – Abutalibi, Goyjanabat, Aghjanabat;
Disease- resistant varieties – Abutalibi, Teberze, Badam erik,
Khurmayi.

Conclusions
In recent years the negative impact of diseases that spread
among agricultural plants has increased the awareness of the
importance of ancient native selected varieties. It is known that
these varieties are not only a living history of the nation but
Above: Salami
considering their positive bio-agricultural traits – productivity,
qualitative fruits, disease and pest resistance, they may be used
to improve existing varieties, as well as aid in the selection of new
potential forms and varieties for the future.
Program and methods of breeding of fruit, berry and nut-bearing plants.
References Michurinsk, 1980. p.337-350
Akparov, Z. Imamaliev, Q. Musayev. 2003. M. Diversity of the genetic fund of fruit Program and methods of the study fruit, berry and nut crops varieties.
plants in Azerbaijan. Journal Azerbaijan & Azerbaijanis, № 3-4, Baku, p.98-100 Michurinsk, 1973, 424 p.5.
Akparov, Z. Musayev, M. Mammadov, A. Salimov, V. 2010. Study of the genetic Rajabli, A. 1966. Fruit plants of Azerbaijan. Baku, 246 p.
resources of grapevine in Azerbaijan. Journal “Agricultural science in Azerbaijan.”, Safarov, I. 1979. Subtropical forests of the Talysh. Baku, 151 p.
Baku, № 1-2, p.40-44. Salimov, V. Musayev, M. 2007. Genetic resources of grapevine in
Asadov, K. Asadov, A. 2001. Wild fruit plants in Azerbaijan. Baku, 252 p. Azerbaijan.
Hasanov, Z. Aliev, C. 2007. Fruit-growing. Baku, 490 p. http://www.vitis/ru/pdf/rs 11. pdf Talibov, T. Babayeva, S. 1997. Apricot. Baku, 91 p.
Imamaliyev, G. 1988. Genetic pool of fruit plants in the Shaki-Zagatala zone of the Vavilov N.I., 1931. Wild relatives of fruit trees of Asia part of the USSR
Azerbaijan SSR. Baku, 52 p. and the Caucasus and problems of fruit trees origin. Proc. of Appl. Bot.
Genet. and Breeding. Vol. XXVI, No 3 :85-107.

Landraces Issue 1 October 2012

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Call for contributions

LR Resources
On this page you will find a number of resources to aid and inform the national LR
W e want to ensure that Landraces
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Law and Policy of Relevance to the Management of Plant Genetic Resources (2005) Introduction and use of crop landraces.
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Agrobiodiversity Conservation: Securing the Diversity of Crop Wild Relatives and Landraces
(2012)
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Towards the establishment of genetic reserves for crop wild relatives and landraces in Europe,
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9–11 September 2011

Other useful links

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Landraces Issue 1 October 2012