Could the wild celery species in any way play a breeding role in the future?
In Germany celery is grown on a relatively small area of approximately 2,000 ha. Its consumption is rather low with approximately 1 kg per capita. Nevertheless, the sales revenues of the producer markets amount to almost € 10 million annually. The interest of breeding research relates above all to existing disease resistances. Another interest is to reduce the allergen potential of celeriac. Celery has to be declared in food due to a highly effective allergen. The search for allergen-free or low allergen populations or individuals can be interesting for breeders. A further option for the future could be to use the non-domesticated wild species not only as genetic resources for celeriac, but also to cultivate these species themselves if they have properties that will prove beneficial for agriculture or consumers.
