EVALUATION TRIALS OF 2 BUCKWHEAT CULTIVARS IN APENNINE MOUNTAINS (CENTRAL ITALY)

Buckwheat has almost disappeared from Italian cropping systems, but it still holds a considerable interest for mountain and hilly environments in Italy. In these areas, which are not suitable for the majority of modern high-yield and high-input crops, buckwheat can be grown with limited use of fertilizers and agrochemicals; consequently, it can be introduced into sustainable cropping systems. Therefore, a study was carried out to evaluate two cultivars of buckwheat, “Bamby” of Austrian origin and “Lileja” of Russian origin, in the mountain district of Garfagnana (Tuscany, Central Italy). Results of the study are very promising, because morphological features and grain yields were similar to those obtained, under favourable climatic conditions and with good cultural practices, in traditional growing countries of central and eastern Europe. Consequently, buckwheat cultivation could improve the agricultural economy of Italian mountain areas, as a source of valuable produce that can be transformed in both traditional and innovative foods