Citrus trees as witness of the historical rural landscape of Cannero Riviera (VB), Italy

The town of Cannero Riviera, Piemonte region, Northern Italy, has a historic tradition of citriculture since the XVI century, thanks to a favourable microclimate due to the presence of the Lake Maggiore. This culture was introduced into the area from Toscana and Liguria regions and many old Citrus trees, propagated by grafting and budding during the last hundred years, are grown. These plants hold the Northern distribution range of the genus Citrus in Italy, endure cold winters and represent an important and unique germplasm to be preserved. Besides the genotypes productive value, the biodiversity conservation is a tool in breeding programs to obtain new varieties more resistant to harsh climates and a way to improve the local landscape and promote ecotourism. In addition the plantation of germplasm collections and arboreta and the realization of itineraries among the citrus collection in villas and parks are other usefull tools for the valorization of the region