Biodiversity of drupaceae species in Basilicata region: The Project Biodruba

Within the frame of a rural developmental plan (PSR Regione Basilicata 2014-2020, mis. 10.2), the project BioDruBa (Biodiversity of Drupaceae from Basilicata) aims at collecting, conserving and characterising the regional germplasm of some fruit tree species belonging to Drupaceae, especially sweet cherry and plum, but also a few peach, apricot, and almond varieties. Besides conservation of the available landraces in catalogue fields and in situ, additional local varieties will be sought and preserved. Experiences on collection, conservation, characterisation and utilisation of Drupaceae will be exchanged with national and international organisations dealing with crop biodiversity. Germplasm characterisation is one of the main aims of the project. Most of the sweet cherry local varieties considered are conserved in field collections at ALSIA Pollino (PZ), while the germplasm of the other fruit species is distributed in farmers' fields. In order to characterise this material, leaves from each landrace were collected and DNA was extracted. Genetic diversity and population structure in sweet cherry germplasm was evaluated using GBS (genotyping by sequencing) technology, by comparing landraces from Basilicata to other known cherry varieties. Phenotypic traits are being scored and will allow association mapping between SNP markers and specific characters. The other fruit trees considered in the present project were analysed for their genetic variation using microsatellite markers. A further characterisation will be carried out on fruit quality. Fruits from the Drupaceae under study have been collected and their nutraceutical value will be assessed by means of HPLC and mass spectrometry technology. Moreover, BioDruBa project will organise dissemination events for students, stakeholders and general public, thus promoting conservation and knowledge on local germplasm in Basilicata region.