The Triticeae genetic resources of central Italy: collection, evaluation and conservation.

One hundred and six landraces belonging to 7 species of the Triticeae taxon were collected in Central Italy by DBVBA (Perugia University), DIBIAGA (Ancona University) and ARSSA (Abruzzo Region Agricultural Development Agency) in different individual and joint missions. A few number of accessions was supplied by private and other public organisations. Triticum dicoccum Schubler is the most widespread species, followed by T. aestivum L. and T. monococcum L., T. spelta L., T. turgidum var. durum Desf., Secale cereale L. and Hordeum vulgare L.. Besides the presence of landraces reproduced by farmers over generations, information related to on farm management and to qualitative/organoleptic traits as well as information related to their local names, uses, traditions and social context were gathered during the missions. The vast majority of the accessions was characterised by morphological and phenological traits and molecular markers. This work show the presence of morpho-phenologic and genetic differences among landraces and the importance of some species in the agricultural systems and food customs of the investigated area. Particularly for emmer three well distinct landraces are present, “Farro Italia Centrale”, “Farro della Garfagnana” and “Farro Italia Meridionale”. Other interesting and traditional landraces are the “Solina” common wheat in Abruzzo and the “Orzo mondo” naked barley in Marche. Most of the populations are still cultivated in marginal lands and under low input or organic agronomic conditions; neverthless, in many cases, they are found near modern varieties in conventional agriculture system. Moreover, the in situ conservation of Triticeae landraces in Central Italy is strictly linked to old farmers.