Integration of Conservation Strategies of Plant Genetic ... - Genres

and fruit conservation.
Local and regional institutions
They are not exactly in the informal sector but neither belong to the formal one. They could represent
a bridge point between the formal sector and the farmers, also as a consequence of their distribution on
all territories and regions.
There are many interesting activities carried out by the several Regional Agricultural Developmental
Bureaus ( Enti di Sviluppo Agricolo Regionale ) of different regions. Since 1984, some of the Bureaus
have searched for old and local fruit varieties and,
eventually, constituted a collection of these varieties. (Virgili; Polidori, 1002).
Organic projects to appreciate those varieties appearing more promising for the market and to involve,
in the conservation program, the local farmers and experts are in preparation in collaboration with the
Comunità Montane and in some cases with public Research Centres ( Perrino, 1992).
Amateur Clubs
This group of organizations is in itself very heterogeneous; sometimes single elements have no direct
connection with agriculture, though often they grow and maintain interesting plants. In this group private
collections may be included. All over Italy a certain number of clubs are known to be active for different
groups of plants.
Private nurseries
As far as Umbria region is concerned, at the moment about 20 hatcheries propagate and sell plants of
fruit trees and vines of old varieties. There are, certainly, many others, throughout the peninsula, but,
as explained, it is non easy to discover and list them out. The Germplasm Institute of Bari is creating a
data bank including information concerning nurseries too.
In conclusion, from this short analysis, it appears evident that the informal sector needs a sort of
co-ordination in order to improve exchange of information between sectors, of genetic material among
farmers and experts, keepers and amateurs and set up a minimum of organization. To reach the above
mentioned gols it is necessary to promote training and education. Finally farmers should be contacted
and involved, but keeping in mind that any development has to be economically sustainable. Financial
support or contributions, from any source may help only for studying, understanding and solving
difficulties linked with the problem in hand, but not the problem itself.
Conclusions
All of the research carried out in these few years, confirms the existence of a very rich genetic patrimony
for fruit trees in Umbria region. The most difficult task is, however, to maintain an entire millinery
popular knowledge which was at the basis of the existence of these old species and varieties.
Separated from their sociological, economic, etnobothanical, cultural context, fruit crops may loose their
function.
The present project succeeded in saving only part of this complex heritage. The last witnesses of this
culture have disappeared and the post-war agricultural generation has lost the kind of knowledge proper
of the former generation. In the last 10 or 15 years, there has been a return of emigrants together with
the arrival of many foreign families. This phenomenon has led to a positive repopulation of the
countryside but it has not helped in maintaining the traditions. Braking the direct relationship with the