Comparison of nut traits and quality evaluation of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) germplasm in Latium Region (Central Italy)

This study was aimed at improving a sustainable development of fruit production through the exploitation of local chestnut germplasm in three areas of Latium region: Allumiere and Cave, where chestnut is marginally cultivated, and Monti Cimini, where chestnut production has a national interest. The present state of chestnut cultivation has been examined. Nut traits and seed composition of local ecotypes have been compared with those of cultivars of different geographic origin grown in a collection field in Caprarola. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of soluble sugars and organic acids and content of moisture, starch, lipids and protein in the seed and total phenols in the pellicle were determined. The local cultivars of Allumiere have shown small fruits in comparison with varieties of Monti Cimini. On the basis of nut traits, the ecotypes collected in Allumiere belong to the types of “Marrone” and “Castagna”. Variability of seed composition was observed, particularly for polyphenols, starch and soluble sugars. Fruits of “Castagna” type have shown a higher average content of starch in comparison with nuts of “Marrone”. The main soluble sugar in all cultivars was sucrose that represents about 80% of the total soluble sugars. “Primotico” ecotype, located in the Monti Cimini district, has shown the highest content of sugars (25mg 100mg-1 dw) in comparison whit the nuts of other local cultivars. In general, “Marrone” type has shown a higher content of crude proteins than “Castagna” cvs. In conclusion, the results suggest the good quality of local germplasm and the opportunity of its utilization to improve a sustainable developement of chestnut cultivation in tipical districts of Latium region.