Proceedings of the XLVII Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics - SIGA Annual Congress

Verona, Italy - 24/27 September, 2003

ISBN 88-900622-4-X

Oral Communication Abstract - S2a

BREEDING AND GERMPLASM RELEASE IN ITALY

N. DI FONZO

Istituto Sperimentale per la Cerealicoltura, Sezione di Foggia

The aim of this overview is to synthesize the main aspects of the Italian studies and research in plant breeding. Genetic improvement of crops in Italian agriculture has been achieved by means of all traditional breeding methodologies. After that an increasing utilization of advanced techniques were performed and remarkable results have been obtained. Information related to different topics will be given included plant breeder’s right protection, seed multiplication, dynamic of germplasm release, economic and political aspects.The species considered in the presentation are cereals (wheat, maize, barley, rice), tomato, potato, sugar beet, grain legumes and fodder crops. These cover most of the cultivated area. Italy is characterised by different environments from North to South with many constraints that limit the yield. Studies are considering genotype x location interaction effects, selection environments, yield stability targets, yield components, quantity and quality of yield, genetic dissection of the target traits, abiotic and biotic stresses, etc.. As an example, emphasis should be placed on resistance to drought and high temperature and to major pests and pathogenes.In addition to conventional approaches to the breeding, some advanced technologies have been considered. On the basis of these many genes related to qualitative and quantitative charactes have been identified, localised in map and markers are now available for plant breeding using the MAS technique. Moreover, in addition to conventional approaches to the breeding, transformation techniques offer the possibility of genetically engineering improved agronomic and quality traits. Genetic modification (GM) is used to down-regulate or silence the expression of native genes, thus producing “targeted mutants”, to insert additional copies of native genes and it may be used to insert and express foreign genes, from either related or distant sources. Actually, in wheat, studies are considering manipulation of gluten protein trafficking, lipoxygenase and pasta colour. Today there is considerable disparity in the extent to which GM technology has been applied in breeding programmes and the production of commercial varieties. However, progress will ultimately be determined by two major factors: the level of public sector investment and acceptability of GM products to regulatory authorities and consumers.