Rocket: a Mediterranean crop for the world - Bioversity International

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ROCKET GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
4VIJEGI
This publication represents the outcome of the second meeting of the Rocket
Genetic Resources Network, an initiative launched in 1994 in the framework of
IPGRI’s project on Underutilized Mediterranean Species (UMS).
The proceedings contain scientific contributions related to genetic resources,
breeding and cultivation aspects of rocket, representing an extremely useful tool for
all those interested in the cultivation and improvement of this crop. In particular,
the paper on cultivation in the Veneto region can well be considered the first
thorough scientific presentation ever made of rocket cultivation techniques in
greenhouse environments. Apart from this paper, other contributions from India,
Israel, Portugal and Turkey provide an overview of the degree of cultivation, uses
and popularity of the crop around the world.
Chapter III on International Cooperation provides a useful insight into the
activity of the Rocket Network and supplies information on the initiatives
promoted by UMS for safeguarding the genetic resources of this multipurpose crop.
Promotion of better use of plant genetic resources represents the core activity of
the UMS project as well other IPGRI initiatives in the area of neglected/
underutilized species. The ultimate goal of all these efforts is the establishment of a
sustainable conservation of these species through the promotion of their use.
Rocket, like other minor species on which IPGRI is currently working, is a key
crop, selected for raising awareness on the great potentials of our agrobiodiversity
wealth, and to show how little of this richness actually represents the basis of our
agricultural systems.
It is estimated that of the 7000 edible species around the world only a tiny
fraction, amounting to 150 or so, are in fact being commercialized, rocket being one
of those left out. A greater attention to rocket and to other neglected species
represents an important step towards both agricultural and diet diversification
which ultimately contribute to improving our quality of life.
We pursue this goal in the hope that our agrobiodiversity heritage will in this
way be passed on to future generations.
S. Padulosi
Coordinator, Underutilized Mediterranean Species project
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IPGRI wishes to express its thanks to the University of Padova, the Germplasm
Institute of Bari and the Ente Sviluppo Agricolo Veneto (Centro Po di Tramontana)
for the warm hospitality and support provided for the organization of this
Workshop.