A Statistical Approach to Identify Appropriate Sampling Scheme Capable of Geographical Identification Analysis of the Protected Origin Pulse Crops in Greece

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to develop a sampling method that could be used in geographical discrimination studies of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by considering the geoclimatic variability within the cultivation zone of the analyzed product. The Regional Unit of Kastoria in Greece, a major area of protected designation origin of pulse crops, was selected for detailed investigation. Meteorological data were collected from five weather stations in different subregions of Kastoria (Argos Orestiko, Kalochori, Lakkomata, Lithia, and Polykarpi), over a period of six years (2015 to 2020), along with data of soil texture. The collected data were analyzed in order to determine statistically significant differences among the subregions with regard to the aforementioned parameters. A seasonality pattern was observed for all subregions concerning the microclimate, which splits the data into two clusters. Moreover, a significant variation of the soil textures was revealed, frequently affecting farmers’ decision regarding agronomic practices, leading to the unique stable-isotope ratios and multi-elemental composition. This study guides the dry bean sample collection and will enable the designation of the boundaries of protected origin regions and enable future sampling schemes for stable-isotope and multi-elemental analysis.