1. Introduction
Rice (Oryza sativaL.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereals
in the world. It is a staple food for about half the world’s popula-tion, in particular for Asian, South-American and African countries
(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAOSTAT), United States Department of Agricultural (USDA)). Italy
is the largest rice producer in the European Union, producing
approximately 50% of the total EU-27 harvest. Although Italy
accounts for less than 1% of world production, it is currently the
fourth-largest rice-exporting country, after Thailand, United States,
and India (counting intra-EU trade). Rice cultivation in Italy is
mainly located in the northern regions (Piedmont, Lombardy and
Veneto)