Development of Integrated Disease Control Measures for the Valorisation of Traditional Crops in Southern Italy: The Case Study of Fagioli di Sarconi

Abstract

The cultivation of Fagioli di Sarconi (FS), a pool of traditional varieties protected with the mark PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) cultivated in the National Park of Agri Valley in Basilicata (southern Italy), is limited by common bacterial blight (CBB), caused by the seed-borne bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) and X. a. pv. phaseoli var. fuscans (Xapf), whose control is difficult because of the lack of safe bactericides. Hence, studies were undertaken to assess the susceptibility/tolerance of selected varieties toward the pathogens and to develop eco-compatible measures for the disease management. Five FS varieties showed a differential response to inoculations with virulent strains of the pathogens, and hence, two tolerant cultivars were selected for the introgression of CBB resistance characters. Among the main active components of some essential oils, eugenol determined a highly significant reduction of Xap density on bean seeds, though at the higher dosage, the seed germination reduction was observed. These data indicate eugenol as potentially useful for bean seed disinfection from Xapf, though further studies appear necessary. Among 162 bacterial isolates from bean rhizosphere, six caused a clear reduction of lesions size ranging from 30 to 66 % suggesting that induced systemic resistance may be involved in that feature.

Surveillance of Landraces’ Seed Health in South Italy and New Evidence on Crop Diseases

“…This allowed for the recovery of healthy seed lots among those harvested in previous seasons. Lo Cantore et al [ 50 ] reported that, already in 2002, Xap was found in southern Italy (Basilicata region) on the common bean landrace “Fagiolo di Sarconi”. In addition, in the same study the authors demonstrated a differential behavior of the plant materials tested against strains of Xap and Xff and concluded that the two landraces can be considered tolerant to the disease [ 50 ].…”

“…Lo Cantore et al [ 50 ] reported that, already in 2002, Xap was found in southern Italy (Basilicata region) on the common bean landrace “Fagiolo di Sarconi”. In addition, in the same study the authors demonstrated a differential behavior of the plant materials tested against strains of Xap and Xff and concluded that the two landraces can be considered tolerant to the disease [ 50 ]. In 2014, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) determined that the risk associated with this pathogen ranged from moderate to high with several negative impacts on yield and quality [ 51 ].…”

“…In 2014, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) determined that the risk associated with this pathogen ranged from moderate to high with several negative impacts on yield and quality [ 51 ]. Thereafter, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) highlighted its presence in all the European countries except for Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom [ 52 ], determining the shifting of the bacterium from quarantine pest to Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest (RNQP) [ 50 ].…”