Solina: An Example of Ancient Wheat Suitable for the Protection of Agrobiodiversity and Agricultural Workers’ Health

Solina is an ancient common wheat that has been cultivated in Abruzzo since the 16th century. It is a variety of wheat typical of mountain and marginal areas with peculiar organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. In this review, a collection of experimental and empirical data analyses on its agronomic, environmental, historical, gastronomic, and cultural characteristics was carried out to propose its possible use in sustainable agriculture. The observed data suggest that Solina represents an ancient wheat variety that could be used as an alternative to modern wheat, following the European Directive 128/2009 on the sustainable use of pesticides. The natural resistance of this ancient wheat to the typical climatic conditions of the territory in which it grows allows for the non-use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, Solina has all the characteristics to respond to consumer demands, paying greater attention to environmental protection, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding the health of farm workers.