Buckwheat Breeding and Seed Production in Poland

Abstract

The history of buckwheat breeding in Poland is almost 80 years old. “Hruszowska” was the first breeding variety, which was in 1956 entered to The Polish National List of Agricultural Plant Varieties (NLI). In the history of buckwheat breeding programs in Poland, 10 varieties have been registered so far. Additionally, 3 breeding lines have been entered into official tests without a decision on entry to the NLI. During the planned economy period in Poland (until 1989), despite the limited number of varieties, the scale of production of certified buckwheat seeds practically covered the entire demand for sowing material. Currently, the small scale of buckwheat cultivation in Poland, and above all, the lack of buckwheat on the EU list of plant species varieties which are subject to national listing and which seed material may be produced, assessed, and controlled limit the scope of breeding work on buckwheat and make it difficult to obtain profitable seed trade.