Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species (NUS) from the Apulia Region Worthy of Being Rescued and Re-Included in Daily Diet

Abstract

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are cultivated, semi-domesticated, or wild plant species, not included in the group of the major staple crops, since, in most cases, they do not meet the global market requirements. As they often represent resilient species and valuable sources of vitamins, micronutrients, and other phytochemicals, a wider use of NUS would enhance sustainability of agro-systems and a choice of nutritious foods with a strategic role for addressing the nutritional security challenge across Europe. In this review, we focused on some examples of NUS from the Apulia Region (Southern Italy), either cultivated or spontaneously growing species, showing interesting adaptative, nutritional, and economical potential that can be exploited and properly enhanced in future programs.

Impact of Climate Change on Agroecosystems and Potential Adaptation Strategies

“…However, more attention is needed to not encourage exclusively the use of intensive crops naturally tolerant to water stress and to not worsen fragmentation, habitat loss, and biodiversity. One of the key strategies to avoid such consequences due to climate change could be represented by biodiversity conservation and improvement, broadening food production to include locally adaptable, often underutilized, nutrient-rich species, and ensuring diversified, healthy diets [152,153].…”

Prioritizing strategies for wheat biofortification: Inspiration from underutilized species

“…The FAO has called for the regional initiative on future smart food (FSF) to achieve zero hunger (SDG2). However, for a NUS to qualify as FSF, it must be 1) climate resilient, 2) economic friendly, 3) nutrient dense, and 4) native or locally adapted [ 43 , 87 ]. Large scale focus on NUS for the dietary diversity to prevent anaemia is being targeted.…”

“… Leaves Euphorbiaceae Guatemala Nutrient rich leaves year-round [ 85 ] Kale Brassica oleracea v. acephala L. Leaves Brassicaceae ubiquitous Superfood providing ≥10% of 17 essential nutrients [ 86 ] Roquette/arugula Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav. Leaves Brassicaceae ubiquitous Rich in vitamin C, phenols, carotenoids [ 87 ] Sea asparagus Salicornia spp. L. Stems, leaves Amaranthaceae USA, Mexico, Canada, Europe Halophyte, rich in minerals, vitamins, fatty acids [ 87 ] Pulses/Legume Tepary bean/ escumite Phaseolus acutifolius A.Gray Seed Fabaceae Guatemala 1.5 times out yielding common bean in hot environments with same nutrition [ 85 ] Lentils Lens culinaris Medik.…”

“… Leaves Brassicaceae ubiquitous Rich in vitamin C, phenols, carotenoids [ 87 ] Sea asparagus Salicornia spp. L. Stems, leaves Amaranthaceae USA, Mexico, Canada, Europe Halophyte, rich in minerals, vitamins, fatty acids [ 87 ] Pulses/Legume Tepary bean/ escumite Phaseolus acutifolius A.Gray Seed Fabaceae Guatemala 1.5 times out yielding common bean in hot environments with same nutrition [ 85 ] Lentils Lens culinaris Medik. Seed Fabaceae Sri Lanka Rich source of Fe, Zn, and selenium [ 88 ] Cereals Millets Panicum spp.…”

A Novel Crop Shortlisting Method for Sustainable Agricultural Diversification across Italy

“…In this regard, innovative and regenerative approaches to agricultural development that take advantage of locally neglected and globally underutilised species can play a major role [3]. Different underutilised species which are available in Italy are either cultivated, semi-domesticated, or in the wild [26]. In such a context, agrobiodiversity can provide a solution to enhance the adaptation of the cropping systems to the future climate and, in turn, increase food production [20].…”