Landraces

Genetically non-uniform group of a cultivated plant species that is made up of several morphologically and physiologically different varieties. They have developed autochthonously through long-term, natural selection in a usually narrowly defined area and are therefore very well adapted to the ecological conditions in this area. This means that they can have a high resistance to drought or dryness, frost, diseases and pests, for example. They are also relatively reliable in terms of yield, as they react very flexibly to site fluctuations such as weather conditions due to the wide spread of their genetic characteristics. In contrast to high-performance varieties, they are usually less productive.

Landsorten - Alte Gewächse: Amigne, Bondola, Himbertscha, Rèze

In viticulture, these mostly very old grape varieties are found sporadically in vineyards or as house vines. Vine breeding centres are very keen to preserve them, as desirable genes can be crossed into new varieties. The varieties grouped together in Switzerland under the term " Alte Gewächse" (old vines ) belong to the landraces (see some of them in the picture below). See a list of relevant keywords under grapevine.

Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)

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Landraces

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