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Characterization of 16 grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) accessions collected in central Italy (Marche region) was performed for morphological and agronomic traits and for 3-(-N-oxalyl)-L-2,3 diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) content. Field trials, carried out in two locations, revealed high among-population genetic variation. In particular, an evident differentiation between commercial populations, cultivated by market-oriented farms, and household populations (not marketoriented) was found. Genotype · environment interaction was negligible. Medium-high values of ODAP content were observed following colorimetric and capillary electrophoresis analyses. A high positive correlation between the two methods was found (r ¼ 0.83**), but the colorimetric values showed, on average, significant 14% lower ODAP values. This research represents a pre-breeding activity aimed at developing a breeding programme for the preservation and utilization of Italian grasspea germplasm within sustainable or organic agricultural systems.

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Glasshouse evaluations of rootstocks of melon for resistance to Didymella bryoniae were conducted on different cucurbits previously selected as resistant or partially resistant to race 1,2 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis. Cucumis anguria, C. ficifolius, C. figarei, C. metuliferus, C. zeyheri and Benincasa hispida showed a very high degree of resistance to D. bryoniae both on leaves and stems. Among the commercial rootstocks, Cucurbita hybrids ELSI, ES 99‐13, RS 841, displayed a similar level of resistance. Stem inoculation of three cucurbit species grafted with susceptible melon cv. Proteo determined the occurrence of limited symptoms, but the lesions remained confined in the rootstock not affecting the grafted plant. Cultivation of susceptible melon cultivars grafted on resistant rootstocks may represent an efficient method for controlling Didymella crown rot and Fusarium wilt.