First collection of vegetable crop landraces in Valle Fértil, Argentina

ASPRELLI P.; LORELLO I. M.; MAKUCH M. A.; PERALTA I. E.

Agriscientia

Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias Univ. Nac. Córdoba

Lugar: Córdoba; Año: 2010

1668-298x

The richness of cultural values found in Argentinean Andean communities is reflected by genetic resource diversity, developing a sustainable agriculture, and maintaining their own seed. Local agriculture is a family economic activity, where traditional landraces are highly appreciated for their flavour, colour and aromas. However, social, economic and environmental factors have an effect on crop diversity conservation. The main aim of this work was to retrieve and safeguard a representative collection of autochthonous crop genetic resources still cultivated in Valle Fértil Department, San Juan Province, and document farmers’ crop experiences and uses. Fifty families were interviewed; 26 of these donated a total of 49 samples belonging to eight species. The landraces collected shows a geometric distribution, typical in communities with low number of species; and a pattern of dominance, showing that common species are present in almost all farms while rare species are found in specific environments. Local germplasm recover could prevent seed loss, and consequently both the formal breeding sector and farmers can use the diversity of the collections for their crop-improvement efforts.