Study of a little known landrace of Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn. of Valtellina (Northern Italy)

Conservation and valorization of landraces are topics of great interest since many are endangered genetic resources that could be useful not only in crop improvement plans but also to support the economy of territories where they are (or were) traditionally cultivated. This research analyzed the characteristics of a little known landrace of Fagopyrum tataricum ("Grano Siberiano Valtellinese") (Fig. 1) introduced at the end of the 18th century in the mountain areas of Valtellina (SO), a valley in the Northern Italy, and which has now almost disappeared (1). Agronomical, ecological (functional strategy) and phytochemical (rutin, quercetin and fagopyrin content) analyses were carried out in order to characterize this landrace and compare it with other genotypes of F. tataricum and F. esculentum. Analysis showed that the "Grano Siberiano Valtellinese" is the genotype best adapted to the environmental conditions of Valtellina. In fact, in the experimental fields set up in a mountain area of Valtellina, it developed taller plants with a high number of flowers. Furthermore, it was found to be the most tolerant to stress (functional strategy: CS/CSR). Phytochemical analyses showed that this genotype, compared to other local landraces of F. esculentum, has a higher concentration of rutin in the seeds (764 ± 39 μg/g) and in the shoots (370 ± 66 μg/g) which make it interesting for the production of nutraceutical foods. “Grano Siberiano Valtellinese” could also be used to make herbal teas or cosmetics (F. tataricum is included in the European Cosmetic Ingredient database) as occurred for decades in Eastern countries.