Morphological, Agronomic and Genetic Characterization of Northern Italian Polenta Maize Landraces

Agrobiodiversity encompasses the diversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms that sustain agricultural ecosystems and underpin global food security. Within agrobiodiversity, Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) play a central role in enhancing the adaptability and resilience of cropping systems. However, the transition to modern, high-yielding cultivars during the Green Revolution led to widespread genetic erosion, particularly affecting landraces. Although extensive ex situ conservation efforts have been undertaken, complementary in situ and on-farm strategies remain essential to maintain evolutionary potential and local adaptation. In Northern Italy, numerous maize landraces are currently threatened by extinction, especially in Alpine and pre-Alpine areas where materials are poorly documented and often absent from seed banks. In this study, we report the morphological, agronomic and molecular characterization of a group of maize landraces typically grown in Northern Italy and used to prepare the traditional dish polenta. The combined approach supported the identification and characterization of each accession, the exploration of phylogenetic relationships, and the analysis of population structure. Our results, demonstrating the distinctiveness of the accessions analyzed, highlight the importance of their conservation and valorization. Their protection and reintroduction into local agroecosystems represent a strategic opportunity to strengthen resilient agriculture, promote short supply chains, and contribute to long-term food security under changing environmental conditions.