Characterization of the rescued “Voghera” sweet pepper landrace grown in northern Italy

Abstract

A traditional Italian sweet pepper landrace, 'Peperone di Voghera', which faced the risk of extinction, was analyzed for its genetic, phenological, morphological, agronomic and biochemical traits. An extant population was compared with cultivars 'Quadrato d'Asti', 'Cuneo', and 'Giallo d'Asti', cultivated in the same area, in order to evaluate the chance of the landrace recovery. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis demonstrated that Voghera landrace is distinct with respect to reference cultivars, thus excluding extensive genetic contamination and providing a molecular basis of both phenological and biochemical differences. Leaf chlorophyll content is lower, fruits start ripening earlier than controls, and yield (1,100-1,300 g plant -1 ) does not significantly differ. Sensitivity to root pathogens, the main factor that led to the decline in the past, does not seem to compromise the future chance of recovery. Vitamin C concentration is high (200-240 mg/100 g) and preserved by cold storage; more than 25% of vitamin C is also kept in pickled fruits. 'Voghera' landrace has nutritional and gastronomic properties that can be appreciated by consumers. The high internal genetic variability shown by AFLP analysis indicates that future selection work is necessary to fully maintain the original traits of the landrace and to improve it.Additional key words: AFLP; biodiversity; Capsicum annuum; extinction; nutraceutical properties; root mycosis. ResumenCaracterización de la variedad de pimiento tradicional 'Voghera', rescatada en el norte de ItaliaEn este trabajo se han analizado las características genéticas, morfológicas, fenológicas, agronómicas y bioquími-cas de una variedad tradicional italiana de pimiento dulce, 'Peperone di Voghera', en peligro de extinción. Se comparó una población existente con cultivares de la misma zona, 'Quadrato d'Asti', 'Cuneo', y 'Giallo d'Asti', a fin de evaluar la posibilidad de recuperarla. Análisis AFLPs (polimorfismos en la longitud de fragmentos amplificados) demostraron que 'Voghera' es distinta con respecto a los cultivares de referencia, lo que excluye que haya una amplia contaminación genética y proporciona una base molecular de las diferencias, tanto fenológicas como bioquímicas. Su contenido en clorofila es menor y los frutos comienzan a madurar antes que los controles, pero el rendimiento (1.100-1.300 g planta -1 ) no es significativamente diferente. Su sensibilidad a patógenos de la raíz, el principal factor que llevó a su declive en el pasado, no parece poner en peligro la posibilidad de una futura recuperación. La concentración en vitamina C es alta (200-240 mg/100 g) y se preserva en el fruto conservado en cámara frigorífica; también se detecta una buena cantidad (más del 25%) de vitamina C en las frutas encurtidas. 'Voghera' tiene propiedades nutritivas y gastronómicas que pueden ser apreciadas por los consumidores. La alta variabilidad genética interna detectada en los análisis AFLP indica que el trabajo de selección es necesario para mantener plena...

A multi-trait characterization of the ‘Friariello’ landrace: a Mediterranean resource for sweet pepper breeding

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