Rye production and breeding in Poland.

Rye (Secale cereale L.) originates from Asia Minor, where it has been grown for food and feed since the time of Roman Empire. In the 5th century B.C. rye was brought to Poland. Comparativelylow environmental requirements, high uptake potential of macro- and micronutritients from a poor soil, tolerance to acid pH, low temperatures and frost resistance contributed to widespread cultivation of rye in Poland since ever. Over the centuries rye has become a staple crop in the country. In XVI and XVII centuries , in addition to human and animal feeding rye was extensively produced for export. Before the Second World War rye constituted 60% of grain production of all small grain cereal species in Poland. Rye made bread was at high demand and constituted 85% of all consummed one. Up to present rye is used for human consumption, animal feeding and alcohol production.In 1950s rye was grown on 5 mln ha and constituted 53% of all cereal grown in the country. Since that time the acreage of rye grown in Poland has been dropping steadily down. It is antici pated that when Poland will join the European Union the rye acreage will drop further down to 1.6-1.3 mln ha and remaining land will be forested or laid fallow. Rye improvement by breeding in Poland has a long tradition. So far, over 80 cultivars were under production. Cultivars with an epithet 'Dañkowskie' are known for about a century. Up to 1995 solely population rye cultivars in Poland was released. Poznañ Plant Breeding Co. Ltd., Danko Plant Breeding Co. Ltd and IHAR/Smolice Plant Breeding Co. Ltd. arre the main breediders and competitors over the last half of a century. In 2000 twenty one rye cultivars were officiallyregistrated in poland. The first hybrid rye cultivar was registrated in Poland by german breeders in 1995 under the name Marder. Afterwards, other hybrid cultivars have been appearing on Polish market - Esprit (1996), Nawid (1998), Luco (1999), Klawo and Ursus (2000).