Caratterizzazione biochimica di germoplasma di fagiolo mantenuto on-farm in Calabria

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) one of the most important grain legumes, represents an important source of vegetable proteins, and plays a relevant role in the economy of many Italian regions. The present study was carried out to collect and evaluate sixteen common bean landraces cultivated in the areas of Monte Reventino and Serre, both in province of Catanzaro, Calabria region. The main morphological seed traits were recorded as well as some important technological parameters related to seed quality such as the crude protein content, the ash content, the hydration and swelling indices, and the coat percentage. Seed storage protein electrophoretic patterns (phaseolin and phytohemagglutinin) were analysed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE) in order to obtain information about the variation present in the collected materials. Based on the electrophoretic phaseolin patters, it was established that most of the studied landraces belong to the Andean gene pool, as already found in other Italian regions. Different patterns were observed in the landrace Fagioli di Cortale consisting of 5 different traditional varieties, much appreciated, that recently obtained the mark De.C.O. (Denominazione Comunale di Origine). Among them, three varieties showed T phaseolin pattern (Reginella bianca, Cannellina bianca, Cocò gialla), one C type (Reginella gialla), and one S type (Cocò bianca), that allows the attribution of this last sample to the Mesoamerican gene pool. Regarding to the nutritional grain traits, a relevant variation in the protein content was observed (19.8-23.8 %ss). Taking into account all the analysed parameters, Fagioli di Cortale resulted of particular interest, thus deserving of safeguard actions aimed at their on-farm conservation.