Evolutionary wheat breeding in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, organic wheat growers rely on a limited number of varieties as only very few varieties combine good yield and baking quality with adaptation to Dutch growing conditions. Evolutionary breeding may provide various benefits. An added value of the evolutionary breeding approach is that increased diversity helps deal with biotic (pests, diseases) and abiotic (e.g. drought) stresses and more heterogeneity in soil fertility. Experiences from two projects were presented.