Collecting horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, Brassicaceae): local uses and morphological characterization in Basilicata (Southern Italy)

A collection of Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., Mey. et Scherb. (horseradish) has been established at the Institute of Plant Genetics-- National Research Council--Thematic Centre for the Preservation of Mediterranean Biodiversity located in Policoro (MT). Collecting missions have been conducted in internal areas of Basilicata region (South Italy). Ethnobotanical data were collected using a set of open-ended and multiple-choice questionnaires. These information provide an understanding of contemporary uses, agricultural practices and socio-cultural traditions associated with horseradish presence in the sites. Data regarding the variation of 26 morphological descriptors were recorded and statistically analized. The results showed a significative degree of variability between accessions and represent an instrument to understand perspectives of this plant for the agriculture of Basilicata region and it is the first step for the description and classification of this local horseradish germplasm.