The Altamura Lentil IGP Protection Consortium develops a new cultivarstarting from ancient seeds recovered in a seed bank in the USA where they were deposited 56 years ago by Federconsorzi. The plant stands out compared to others for its greater height and resilience to climate change and pathogen attacks.
Altamura Lentil IGP, the search for ancient seeds
The initiative was promoted by the Consortium for the protection and enhancement of the Altamura Lentil IGP which, since its establishment in January 2017, has been dedicated to collecting the ancient ecotypes of this legume. The research began with the collection of seeds belonging to ecotypes 5, 6, and 10, already preserved since the 1960s at theInstitute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR, CNR) of Bari.
‘We were aware of the commercialization of only green lentils between the 1930s and 1970s. However, the genetic material collected by the CNR during the same period also included some red lentil seeds, which provided new insights for our research‘ (Gerardo Centoducati, director of the Altamura Lentil DOP Consortium).
The research was then extended to seed bank international ones. Until finding - at one of the 20 seed banks managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Altamura lentil seeds that were received on 2.7.64 from the Italian Federation of Agricultural Consortia.
Ancient cultivar, new lentil
The 100 small seeds delivered by USDA to the Consortium were planted in 2018. And the tiny harvest was transferred from the Consortium to ISEA. A company from Marche engaged in genetic research, especially in the legume sector, as well as partner of the project.
The program of selection and hybridization – to obtain a stable varietal line, to be submitted for patenting – has already reached the multiplication of ancient seeds, necessary for the preparation of future crosses between pure lines. The genetic traits of the ancient variety are resistance to diseases (caused by parasites and atmospheric agents) and greater stem height.
‘The height of the plants is fundamental for the development of lentil cultivation since from the 1960s to today the real difference in farming practices is the harvest, which has shifted from manual to mechanized. And the use of combine harvesters evidently requires that the plants, particularly the first tier, be taller‘, explains Antonio Nisi, president of the Altamura Lentil Consortium IGP.
Altamura lentils, the prospects
The recovery of the ancient variety foresees a further increase in the production of Altamura Lentil IGP, which is already produced by 200 farmers on over 2,000 hectares of land located in 19 municipalities, of which 10 in Puglia and 9 in Basilicata. A real blessing for Italy, especially as the crops will be converted to organic system.
Legumes are good. For the environment and the health of populations, but also for the economy and employment in the territories. Keeping in mind that they represent:
– ‘improving’ crops‘, as they capture nitrogen from the atmosphere and release it to the soil. True natural fertilizers, essential to curb desertification,
– nutritious and healthy foods, real superfood, as highlighted by FAO in its recent study. And even earlier in 2016, the ‘year of legumes’.
Legumes Made in Italy, the responsibilities of the Italian supply chain
The growth of legumes Made in Italy, Fair and Sustainable Well-being (BES), the conversion to organic now depend solely on the responsibility of processing industries and especially the Large Organized Distribution. Modern distribution, as has been seen, promises sustainable development. But it continues to buy Canadian lentils, treated with glyphosate even in the post-harvest phase. Canadian lentils also crowd Christmas baskets, much to the detriment of Italian tradition.
Consumers are increasingly clear about what constitutes sustainable spending. The buyer still have to learn, however, both in the large-scale retail trade and in the food industry, which is beginning to use legumes to produce pasta, as well as a protein source in various other products.
Change is necessary. Consumers are already willing to support legumes ‘100% Made in Italy’ and to recognize their higher value, even at the cost of spending a few extra cents. Even beyond that, within reasonable limits, to buy organic products that indeed are growing at double digits in modern distribution.
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT – Food Times) and Égalité.
Professional journalist since January 1995, worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and magazines (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). Author of journalistic investigations on food, published the book 'Reading labels to know what we eat'.
