Patrimonio genetico delle pomacee in Sardegna: il pero: cenni storici e cultivar individuate

The cultivation of pomaceous varieties, especially the pear, has for many centuries been of great importance and widely diffused in Sardinia. This is confirmed by many historical documents, a brief riview of which is given in this paper. Also reviewed are the principal pomological and qualitative characteristics of pear cultivars, either of local origin or which were introduced in ancient times, and which can still be found on the island. For the most part they are cultivars either forgotten or on the way to becoming extinct, but which present special characteristics, both in form and taste, which justify plans being implemented for the recovery and exploitation. In fact, this idea appears to represent one of the approaches to the problem of limiting the importantion of fruit and vegetables into Sardinia: that of offering the consumer typical, high-quality produce with a «difference» with respect to italian national standards.