Reviving forgotten treasures: a conservation effort for endangered Solanum tuberosum cultivars

Human activities have had a significant impact on the ecological balance of the biosphere, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and the simplification of landscapes. Recognizing the gravity of this situation, there is a growing need to restore, protect, and characterize genetic resources, particularly for endangered species and ecotypes. In response to these challenges, the "RESToRE" Project (REcovery and valorization of traditional Solanum tuberosum varieties at Risk of Extinction) was conceived, funded by the Piedmont Region under the framework of PSR 2014-2024 - Op. 10.2.1. This project focuses on recovering, characterizing, and sanitizing traditional Italian potato landraces/varieties at risk of extinction. The project aims to enhance the phytosanitary aspects of these genotypes, preserving disease-free tubers while retaining their unique traits. Characterization activities and sanitization strategies not only promise improved production but also stimulate interest among producers and consumers. Valorization of the restored genetic material may enhance the competitiveness of local genetic resources. In this study, we integrated a collection of local Italian potato varieties, comprising around 50 accessions from diverse locations across seven Italian regions, all housed at DAGRI (University of Florence). To characterize this germplasm set, we employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, which enabled the high-throughput generation of sequencing data. The K-seq protocol (Ziarsolo et al., 2021, Plant Methods 17: 1-11) facilitated the identification of genetic polymorphisms and similarities among accessions. Additionally, we included some commercial varieties as reference material in this initial analysis. In the next phase of the project, we will compare these findings with European potato varieties from the EU-funded project "G2P-SOL: Linking genetics resources, genomes, and phenotypes of solanaceous crops" (www.g2p-sol.eu). This comprehensive approach aims to preserve this unique genetic heritage, contributing not only to biodiversity conservation but also to the potential enhancement of local agricultural competitiveness on a broader scale.