CGN caraway collection

History

The caraway collection originates from the former Centre for Plant Breeding and Reproduction Research (CPRO) in Wageningen. This dormant collection was revived in 2012. The caraway collection is relatively small within CGN due to the limited breeding activities for this crop and is part of the Apiaceae family at CGN.

Regeneration

Caraway is a biennial crop that is sown around September for seed production. Flowering requires a period of cold (vernalization) during the early growth stage of the plant. After 3–4 weeks, seedlings are transferred to larger pots and, following vernalization but before flowering, placed in an insect-proof isolation cage in an unheated greenhouse. This prevents cross-contamination between accessions. For regeneration, 80 plants per accession are used for wild material, with a minimum of 40 plants. Pollination is carried out using flies or bumblebees, which may need to be introduced multiple times to ensure proper pollination of later-flowering plants. Flowering and seed ripening can extend over several weeks. After harvest, seeds are dried, cleaned using sieves and air blowing, and tested for germination to assess quality.

Characterisation & evaluation

Apart from the rationalisation at the time of its introduction as collection, the CGN caraway collection has not yet been extensively characterised or evaluated.