Abstract

A research on exploration, collecting and safeguarding plant genetic resources in Italian linguistic islands by Institute of Plant Genetics of the National Research Council of Bari (Italy) and the Institute of Crop Science of Kassel University (Germany) started in 1996. In 2010 two other linguistic areas (Occitan and Ladin) were visited with the same aim. In addition, west Liguria was covered to complete a previous exploration in that region. In all 99 accessions belonging to 51 taxa were sampled from 29 collecting sites. Rare crops for Italy were found for example Citron melon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. et Nakai subsp. lanatus var. citroides (Bailey) Mansf. ex Greb.], old landraces of root chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), Artemisia umbelliformis Lam. cultivated, ancient populations of rye selected for straw, rutabaga [Brassica napus L. var. napobrassica (L.) Rchb.], 'bleu potatoes' (Solanum sp.), etc. In conclusion the Occitan and Ladin linguistic islands still conserve worthy crop genetic resources but similar to other Italian regions inhabited by ethnic minorities, the traditional customs and language are losing importance. This phenomenon also negatively affects the cultivation of landraces causing their genetic erosion and, in many cases, extinction. A greater attention by the local government departments is desirable and necessary.

Key words: Agricultural biodiversity, occitans, ladins, genetic erosion, Italy, linguistic islands.