Comparative analysis of agronomic performance and bioactive compound profiles of the Sicilian landrace “ciurietto” (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis x italica)

The exploration of nutritional properties in landrace products, coupled with a thorough understanding of their cultivation environments, is paramount for developing effective and sustainable on-farm strategies for landrace conservation. Brassica oleracea L. comprises economically significant crops rich in bioactive compounds, including glucosinolates (GLSs), polyphenols, anthocyanins, and vitamins, contributing to their nutritional and health-promoting properties. This study, conducted within the BRESOV project (H2020), evaluated some landraces of the “Ciurietto” Culton in comparison with Marathon F1 of broccoli and the cultivar Snowball of cauliflower under organic cultivation in the southeastern of Sicily. Morpho-biometric traits and chemical composition were assessed, including GLSs (analyzed by HPLC), total phenolic content (TPC), determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method), total soluble solids (TSS), and soluble solids (°Brix). Significant correlations were observed between morphological and biochemical traits. SPAD index were negatively correlated with harvest time (r = −0.90, p < 0.001), indicating a decline in chlorophyll content increasing the temperature for the late cultivars and landraces. Similarly, TPC was negatively correlated with plant height (r = −0.82, p < 0.001), showing the reduction of the phenolic by the increasing of the plant vegetative phase. Among the GLSs detected, neoglucobrassicin and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin exhibited a strong positive correlation between them (r = 0.65, p = 0.0014), while the total GLSs content was negatively correlated with 4-methoxyglucobrassicin (r = −0.58, p = 0.0058). The variation in GLSs content across accessions highlights differential metabolic regulation influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Notably, BN and BF accessions displayed high GLS levels, emphasizing their potential for health-oriented and agronomic applications. Ciurietto landraces exhibited high TSS levels, underscoring their value as genetic resources for broccoli breeding, particularly in organic and sustainable farming systems. • Five “Ciurietto” landraces compared with broccoli and cauliflower were studied. • Significant correlations were observed between morphological and biochemical traits. • Neoglucobrassicin and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin exhibited a positive correlation. • Glucosinolate profile and quantity differ across crops, showing distinct regulation. • Ciurietto landraces had value as genetic resources for brassica breeding.