The italian lentil genetic resources: a worthy basic tool for breeders

The present contribution reviews the lentil landraces traditionally cultivated in Italy. Due to its position in the middle of the Mediterranean, Italy represents a good territory for drawing more general conclusions. Literature regarding archaeobotanical studies, conservation, exploitation, and risk of genetic erosion or extinction of Italian germplasm is briefly discussed. Knowledge on agronomic evaluations, on variability assessed by genetic (AFLP, ISSR, SSR) and biochemical (SDS-PAGE) markers, and on relationships among the still cultivated landraces is reported. The distinctive traits of Italian lentil germplasm are evidenced, together with data on grain composition, due to its relevance for consumers and food industry. These data are discussed on the grounds of the necessity of adequate actions aimed at safeguarding these precious genetic resources. Three case studies are analysed in depth. The potential of lentil germplasm for breeding programmes aimed at the selection of ideotypes well adapted to Italian and Mediterranean environments are also discussed.