Evaluation of different accessions of Sicilian landraces of violet cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) for bio-morphometric and biochemical traits

The large-scale distribution's request for more stable genotypes has favored the adoption by farmers of cauliflower F1 hybrids and standardized genotypes, penalizing the landraces. Nevertheless, cauliflower landraces are characterized by the typical organoleptic and nutraceutical traits appreciated by local/regional consumers and rediscovered by the global market. The traits of organoleptic and nutraceutical interest are the consequence of the genotype utilized and the pedoclimatic conditions. To evaluate and highlight differences in agronomic and quality of the violet cauliflower in relation to the growing environmental conditions, some Sicilian 'Violetto' cauliflower cultivars selected by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A) of the University of Catania were evaluated. The plantlets were transplanted in Adrano and Mojo Alcantara, around the Mount Etna slopes (Sicily), characterized by different soil typologies and climatic conditions. At harvesting time, the plants were evaluated for the main morphometric traits of the plant, such as the fresh and dry weight and height of the plant, stem diameter, and the length and width of the roots, and of curd, such as the fresh and dry weight, longitudinal and transversal diameter, grain, color (L*, a*, b*) and solid soluble content (°Brix). The glucosinolate content and profile were determined by the HPLC system. The data acquired show several significant differences between the genotype and the environmental condition, both for morphometric traits and for the biochemical profile of the plant and of the curd.