Agronomic and Nutritional Characteristics of Three Buckwheat Cultivars Under Organic Farming in Three Environments of the Garfagnana Mountain District

Abstract

Buckwheat is a crop that has virtually disappeared in Italy, and products are generally imported from Poland and China. Among the alternative crops, suitable for cultivation in marginal areas and mountain foothills, buckwheat is particularly adapted as it is a rustic crop that can be grown without chemical input. Buckwheat is rich in numerous functional components and is, therefore, suitable for the obtaining of health products. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the adaptability of three cultivars of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) grown under organic management at different altitudes in the mountain district of Garfagnana (Tuscany, Italy). The main biometric and production parameters were measured. Protein, macroand microelement and total polyphenol contents were determined in the grain. Significant differences for most parameters were evident for the different environments; some biometric parameters were also different among cultivars. All genotypes were suitable for cultivation in the Garfagnana district based on yield and biometric data. Mineral element content was useful for the characterisation of geographic origin.

Comparison of 4 Buckwheat Cultivars and 2 Planting Densities in 2 Mountain Places of Umbria (Central Italy)

“…The variety Spacinska, originally from Slovakia, provided the worst results, with smaller average height than the other cultivars, indicating a stress during the vegetative growth; these conditions continued even during the ripening of the achenes, leading to a reduced yield and a low weight of seeds per plant. The test weight was medium-low and the weight of the 1000 seeds was medium, respecting also in this case the trend of qualitative characters seen in other tests [14]. As for the locations, this trial confirmed the better adaptation of buckwheat to the climatic conditions of the mountains of central Italy compared to the places at lower altitude, already observed in other tests conducted in Tuscany [14].…”

“…The test weight was medium-low and the weight of the 1000 seeds was medium, respecting also in this case the trend of qualitative characters seen in other tests [14]. As for the locations, this trial confirmed the better adaptation of buckwheat to the climatic conditions of the mountains of central Italy compared to the places at lower altitude, already observed in other tests conducted in Tuscany [14]. In fact, in the location of Castelluccio were recorded a higher level of coverage, a greater yield per surface unit and an increased production of seeds per plant, and better quality parameters of grain (test weight, weight of 1000 seeds) that indicate an increased filling of the seed.…”

“…It was instead recorded a negative correlation between some of these variables (number of branch stages per plant, final density of plants/m 2 , production of achenes per hectare) and the weight of 1000 seeds: this result, apparently surprising, can be explained by a best vegetative and productive response of varieties with small achenes (Bamby, ecotype Castelrotto) compared to those with large achenes (Lileja, Spacinska). The negative correlation, which is also unusual, between the weight of 1000 seeds and the test weight is explained by the varietal characteristics of achenes, in part already known [14], which were more rounded and regular in varieties with small achenes, resulting in a higher test weight.…”

“…As noted in the course of multi-year studies conducted in the mountain district of Garfagnana [13,14], buckwheat crop is more adapted to the environments at a higher altitude, enjoying during the summer a cooler and rainy climate, generally more suitable for the full expression of the potential of this species. The production data are placed in the average compared to crops produced under organic and low-input farming techniques, as they are in the normal range, compared to what was observed in previous studies, the quality parameters of the grain (test weight, weight of 1000 seeds).…”

“…The trials we have undertaken to date were located in central Italy, whose territories along the Apennine mountains proved to be ideal for the growth of this species [13,14]. Other researchers have also performed tests in the Apennine mountain areas with positive results [15,16].…”