Diversity among common bean populations from the Abruzzo region (Central Italy): A preliminary inquiry

The Abruzzo region (Central Italy) shows peculiar characteristics: the extension of mountain territory is the highest in mainland Italy and the whole region is less developed as compared to other Central Italy areas. Moreover, the farming systems developed with specific peculiarities parallel to shepherdy. Recently, in the area of the Gole di Popoli, ideally constituting the door of the inner and less developed part of the region, four populations of common bean were collected. Seed morphological traits, phaseolin and lectin profiles were analysed. Three populations appeared heterogeneous in phaseolin and lectin fractions. C, T, and S phaseolin types, C type being predominant, and six lectin patterns were observed. A comparison with common bean populations from the Basilicata region (Southern Italy) showed interesting differences between the two regions. The present contribution, besides the limitation due to the small number of samples, suggests that the Abruzzo, and other Italian regions with similar agro-environmental conditions, might retain highly interesting local populations.