Genetic characterization and molecular fingerprint of traditional Umbrian tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) landraces through SSR markers and application for varietal identification

Genetic erosion, mainly caused by the replacement of local landraces with high yielding or exotic varieties is causing loss of agrobiodiversity. Landraces of horticultural species, grown by small producers, represent today an important value in the preservation of agrobiodiversity. Umbria, a region of central Italy, is characterized by agricultural systems linked to tradition and cultivation of local landraces. In this study, the genetic profile of some traditional Umbrian tomato landraces was characterized for the first time, and the landraces uniqueness was evaluated by comparison with commercial varieties. One-hundred and twenty-one plants provided by local farmers and seed companies, represented by local and commercial varieties were analyzed using 19 SSRs markers. A total of 60 alleles were found with moderate levels of diversity. The mean number of alleles per locus was 3.158 and the average polymorphism information content was 0.38. Unweighted UPGMA clustered the accessions into four groups. The gene pool of Umbrian landraces seems to be highly differentiated compared to commercial varieties, with landraces showing a genetic distinctiveness. Furthermore, an identifying fingerprinting code of each tomato landrace was generated and an innovative method for varietal identification based on the ‘QR code’ was proposed. The results obtained in this study will be useful for a better management, conservation and propagation of tomato genetic resources in Umbria region.