Portuguese landraces: on-farm conservation, management and use.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to develop strategies and methodologies for the conservation of wild species and of landraces and to encourage local farmers to become involved, in a participatory manner, in the conservation of genetic resources associated with their traditional agroecosystems in the Peneda-Geres area and to evaluate the potential genetic erosion, through the re-collecting, and through the morphological and molecular characterization. The target species were: maize (Zea mays), rye (Secale cereale) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The cultivation of maize, common bean and rye populations' landraces was proven to be an important income for the farmers of this region and continues to be important for maintaining natural and unique landscapes, imparting a profile to the region and the protected area, allowing their use and promoting tourist activities.