NOAH'S ARK OF ANCIENT FRUITS IN CEREGNANO

The Arca di Noè , or where the ancient (and new) varieties of fruit are preserved and defended, is located in Ceregnano (Ro), at the pilot demonstration company " Sasse Rami " of Veneto Agricoltura. In our region there are numerous projects that aim to conserve local genetic resources at risk of extinction, both animal and vegetable. Veneto Agricoltura , in agreement with the Region , has been working on this front for several years. Of great interest, for example, is the research activity carried out by the technicians of the Agency which aims to recover old fruit varieties , apples and pears in particular but also peaches and cherries. These are ancient fruits of which sometimes the exact area of origin and original diffusion is not known, but only the place where the " mother plant " was identified and from which the multiplication material of the germplasm was taken to start the recovery action.

Often historical and bibliographic sources are scarce and this further complicates the research work, which however is of great importance if we consider that Veneto is one of the richest regions in the world as regards the presence of old apple varieties ( such regarding the episode n.28 of Radio Veneto Agricoltura dedicated precisely to ancient apples, with guest Luigino Schiavon , one of the top international experts on the subject; link: https://youtu.be/450cBjt5rWY ).

The beating heart of this research and conservation activity is located, as mentioned in Ceregnano (Ro), at the pilot demonstration company " Sasse Rami " of Veneto Agricoltura, authentic Noah's Ark of the ancient fruit varieties.

The germplasm recovered through years of research is found today in the Company's experimental orchard . To understand the extent and value of this extraordinary " treasure chest of fruit biodiversity ", one must think that it has been an intense activity of selection , conservation and evaluation of the organoleptic and vegetative characteristics of more than "Sasse Rami" since 1999 a hundred varieties of apples, but also of pears, peaches and cherries , mostly originating in the foothills and mountains of Veneto.

Beyond the "historical-cultural" importance deriving from the conservation of the germplasm of ancient varieties, in particular apples, and their enhancement, the purpose of the activity carried out at "Sasse Rami" is also to identify, among the numerous varieties present, those that for their characteristics can provide products appreciated by the market , both for fresh consumption and for transformation.

Beyond the "historical-cultural" importance deriving from the conservation of the germplasm of ancient varieties, in particular apples, and their enhancement, the purpose of the activity carried out at "Sasse Rami" is also to identify, among the numerous varieties present, those that for their characteristics can provide products appreciated by the market , both for fresh consumption and for transformation.