Conservation and Valorization of Italian Potato Biodiversity Through Genotype-By-Sequencing (GBS)

Matteo Martina¹Roberto Natale^2,3Edoardo Vergnano¹Anna Milani¹Stefano Biricolti²Luisa Andrenelli²Ezio Portis^1*

• ¹Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA) – Plant Genetics, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Italy
• ²Department of Agricultural, Environmental, Food and Forestry Science and Technology (DAGRI), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine, Firenze, Italy
• ³Interdepartmental Service Centre for Agricultural Chemical and Industrial Biotechnologies (CIBIACI), University of Florence, Via Romana 21, Firenze, Italy

Traditional crop varieties are vital for conserving agrobiodiversity, ensuring food security, and preserving cultural heritage. This study investigates the genetic diversity and cultural relevance of 61 accessions from 22 traditional Italian potato (Solanum tuberosum) landraces, which have been shaped by centuries of farmer selection and adaptation to diverse agroecological conditions. These landraces, deeply embedded in local traditions, are increasingly threatened by genetic erosion and the homogenization of agriculture. To support their conservation, we collected representative accessions and their traditional culinary use, assessed tuber skin and pulp color, screened for viruses, and applied sanitation protocols. Genetic diversity was evaluated using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and revealed marked genetic differentiation among the Italian landraces and a distinct separation from a global reference panel of 106 genotypes, underlining their unique genetic identity. The analysis of 61 accessions revealed three main genetic clusters among Italian landraces, with clear internal differentiation and limited overlap with commercial varieties. Additionally, a strong genetic separation from worldwide accessions confirmed the distinctiveness of the Italian germplasm. This diversity represents a valuable reservoir for breeding programs aimed at increasing resilience to climate change, representing a treasure for the enhancement of local food systems. This integrated approach supports both biodiversity conservation and the socio-economic development of marginal areas, offering a model for safeguarding traditional crop diversity in other regions facing similar challenges.