Genetic, nutritional and metabolic profiling of Friariello Napoletano ecotypes

Friariello Napoletano (Brassica rapa subsp. sylvestris L. Janc. var. esculenta Hort.) is an annual leafy green that combines nutritional richness with a sustainable cultivation system, well adapted to the local conditions of Southern Italy. Despite its economic relevance, Friariello Napoletano has no officially registered cultivars, showing high phenotypic diversity among local landraces. The objective of this work is to valorize traditional agri-food products through a multidisciplinary approach combining genetic, nutritional and metabolic analyses. To support its conservation, six ecotypes of Friariello Napoletano, Cinquantino, Sessantino, Novantino, Centoventino, Marzatica, and Aprilatica, were analysed using AFLP markers to assess genetic diversity and distinctiveness. AFLP profiling revealed noticeable genetic differences among ecotypes, supporting their unique identities and conservation potential. Molecular analyses enhanced the accuracy of ecotype identification, overcoming the limitations of morphology-based classification. By integrating genetic and epigenetic information, this study provides a foundation for the conservation of Friariello’s native germplasm and the development of sustainable breeding programs. The analyses showed that Friariello Napoletano has a rich nutritional profile, combining essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential. Metabolic profiling revealed ecotype-specific patterns, highlighting variations in starch, soluble sugars, plant metabolic amino acids, polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoids, influenced by genotype and environmental conditions. Nutritional parameters such as protein, amino acids, lipids, moisture, ash, and carbohydrate contents were measured, along with fatty acids. Overall, these findings reinforce Friariello Napoletano’s value as a health-promoting food and its importance for the conservation of local agrobiodiversity. By combining molecular, metabolic, and nutritional analyses, this thesis offers a comprehensive framework for characterizing Friariello Napoletano, promoting its valorization and supporting its candidacy for PGI recognition.