First collection of landrace vegetable crops cultivated in Valle Fértil, Argentina

Abstract

The richness of the cultural values found in the Argentinean Andean communities is integrated by a varied diversity of genetic resources, the development of a sustainable agriculture, and the conservation of the producer’s own seeds. Local agriculture is a family economic activity, in which traditional varieties of vegetable landraces are highly appreciated for their flavour, colour and aromas. However; social, economic and environmental factors have an effect on crop diversity conservation. The main aim of this work was to retrieve and maintain a representative collection of traditional crop genetic resources still cultivated in the District of Valle Fértil, San Juan Province, Argentina, and to document the farmers’ crop experiences and uses. Fifty families were interviewed; 26 of these donated a total of 49 samples belonging to eight species. The landraces collected showed a geometric distribution, typical of communities with low number of species; and a pattern of dominance. A few species are present in almost all farms while rare species are found in specific environments. Local germplasm recovery can prevent genetic erosion, so that both the formal breeding sector and the farmers can make use of the diversity of this collection.