F. Sottile¹, S. Mubalieva², N.R. Giuggioli³, and C. Peano^3
1 Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 11, 90128 Palermo, Italy
² Pamir Biological Institute, Khorog, Badakhshan Oblast, Tajikistan
³ Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco Torino, Italy

SUMMARY Introduction – The local fruit biodiversity can represent a good opportunity to maintain the agriculture and to develop economies in “marginal” territory such as those in the mountain rural areas. The genetic diversity of the Morus spp. is little known in the Western Pamir mountains, so that the objective of the present study was to improve the knowledge of the polymorphism of the species in the different poorly explored Tajik valleys by investigating the main quantitative and qualitative traits. Materials and methods – Six selected sites of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) region were investigated through field measurement on morphological traits of mulberry trees (both from wild and cultivated habitats). The qualitative analysis on fresh and dried fruits were carried out on four cultivars of the white mulberry (Morus alba L.) and one cultivar of the black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) collected in the Pamir Biological Institute, the highest botanical garden of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Results and discussion – Our study revealed high variability for all the measured parameters confirmed by a wide polymorphism. The highest rate of variability and the most promising genotypes in terms of fruit morphological ‪traits were observed in the Vanch and the Rushan valleys. Due to the highest ascorbic acid content for the black cv. Shatut and the white cv. Marvori and a better taste, confirmed by the highest reducing and total sugar contents Résumé Traits pomologiques et qualitatifs des ressources génétiques en mûrier (Morus spp.) issues de Gorno Badakhshan dans le Pamir occidental. Introduction – La biodiversité de fruits locaux représente une bonne opportunité de maintien de l’agriculture et de développement des économies dans un territoire «marginal» tel que les zones rurales de montagne. La diversité génétique des espèces du genre Morus est peu connue dans les montagnes occidentales du Pamir. L’objectif de cette étude était d’améliorer la connaissance du polymorphisme de l’espèce en étudiant les principaux traits quantitatifs et qualitatifs des plantes dans les vallées tadjikes encore peu explorées. Matériel et méthodes – Six sites sélectionnés dans la région autonome de Gorno Badakhshan Oblast (GBAO) ont été explorés. Les traits morphologiques des mûriers ont été relevés au champ (à la fois en habitats sauvage et cultivé). L’analyse qualitative sur les fruits frais et séchés a été effectuée sur quatre cultivars de mûrier blanc (Morus alba L.) et un cultivar de mûrier noir (Morus nigra L.) collectés à l’Institut biologique du Pamir, le plus haut jardin botanique de la Communauté des États Indépendants (CEI). Résultats et discussion – Notre étude a révélé une grande variabilité de tous les paramètres mesurés, confirmée par un large polymorphisme. Le taux de variabilité le plus élevé et les génotypes les plus prometteurs en termes de traits morphologiques des fruits ont été observés dans les vallées de Vanch et de Rushan. En raison de la teneur en acide ascorbique la plus élevée pour le cv. Shatut (mûrier noir) et le cv. Marvori (mûrier blanc), et d’un meilleur goût du cv. Bedonia, dû à une plus forte teneur en sucres totaux et réducteurs du début à la pleine maturité, les fruits du mûrier peuvent être recommandés pour la consommation en frais. Le cv. Shatut est recommandé pour le séchage au soleil, suivant des recettes locales spécifiques pour une consommation traditionnelle. Conclusion – La grande variabilité morphogénétique des mûriers dans une zone de montagne marginale comme le Gorno Badakhshan dans le Pamir occidental, offre l’opportunité de valoriser des fruits de profil nutritionnel et gustatif élevé et de développer les ressources agricoles d’un territoire vulnérable. Keywords marginal mountains area, Tajikistan, Moraceae, polymorphism, underutilized species, genetic resource management, fruit quality Mots clés région montagneuse marginale, Tajikistan, Moraceae, mûrier, polymorphisme, espèces sous-utilisées, gestion des ressources génétiques, qualité des fruits

Significance of this study What is already known on this subject? Mulberry biogermplasm diversity is considered importantmuch appreciated in many areas parts of the world and many scientists tried to develop studies in order to have aits morphological characterization is well defined. Its diversityIt is mainly related to the different various area of cultivation areas and it usually represents a source of income in the marginal zoneareas.In Pamir (Tajikistan) it represented for many years a source of food security and due to a strong genetic variability its morphological and qualitative description appeared useful for a future economic viability . What are the new findings? Our study provides an original description of the wide mulberry diversity still available in the Pamir area (Tajikistan), using both tree and fruit descriptors., where the species still represent a source of food and income for the rural population The results evidence the presence of accessionsvariety well adapted for fresh consumption as well as for drying and processing, showing interesting traits in terms of qualitative and nutritional facts (high ascorbic acid content). This demonstrates the value of this diversity also in terms of possible exploitation in the area. What is the expected impact on horticulture? As for all the studies based on agricultural biodiversity description and characterization, this study will be useful for the local enhancement activities. It is important to note that tThe results show a possible important role of mulberry fruits in the diet of the local people population, provided mainly due to the high ascorbic acid content with potential consequences in the Pamir’s horticulture would invest in terms of new orchards addressed dedicated to local markets targeting improve the food nutrition security of a marginal area.A deep knowledge of the international mulberry germplasm could also have impact for the development of genetic improvement projects, always looking for genotypes with significant nutritional value.

E-mail: nicole.giuggioli@unito.it  

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Received: 31 May 2016 | Accepted: 9 February 2017 | Published: 31 May 2017 | Available online: 31 May 2017