A Multi-Level Approach as a Powerful Tool to Identify and Characterize Some Italian Autochthonous Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Landraces under a Changing Environment

A prime role in matters of agrobiodiversity is held by landraces, which serve as a repository gene pool able to meet sustainable development goals and to face the ongoing challenges of climate change. However, many landraces are currently endangered due to environmental and socio-economic changes. Thus, effective characterization activities and conservation strategies should be undertaken to prevent their genetic and cultural erosion. In the current study, the morphological, genetic, and biochemical analyses were integrated with stress response-related studies to characterize the diversity of seven Italian autochthonous common bean landraces. The results showed that the morphological descriptors and the neutral molecular markers represent powerful tools to identify and distinguish diversity among landrace populations, but they cannot correlate with the stress tolerance pattern of genetically similar populations. The study also supported the use of proline as a biochemical marker to screen the most salt-sensitive bean landraces. Thus, to fully elucidate the future dynamics of agrobiodiversity and to establish the basis for safeguarding them while promoting their utilization, a multi-level approach should always be included in any local and national program for the characterization/conservation/use of genetic resources. This study should represent the basis for further joint research that effectively contributes to set/achieve Italian priorities towards sustainability in the framework of emerging environmental, societal, and economic challenges.