Chia-Breeding
Funding | Ministry for Rural Areas and Consumer Protection Ba-Wü |
Duration | 2019 – 2020 |
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Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a species of sage that was first cultivated in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Among the Aztecs, chia was grown as a staple food alongside maize, beans and amaranth, and was also used as a medicinal plant and for the production of oil. In the meantime, this high-value food plant was almost forgotten. For the last 20 years or so, chia has been cultivated again between the 10th and 25th latitudes and has recently experienced a renaissance as a "functional food", based mainly on the beneficial nutritional value of the seeds, as chia oil is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to its exceptional omega-3 content, chia contains proteins with a very high biological value, vitamins B and E, calcium, fibre and antioxidants. Demand for chia seeds in Germany has increased tenfold in recent years to €23.6 million in the last financial year (June 2016 to June 2017), according to market research institute Nielsen. Growing chia in Germany would be a good addition to the agricultural landscape. With its long flowering period, it provides food for pollen and nectar-seeking insects over a long period of time. In addition, flowering chia stands are very attractive to look at and visually break up crop rotations dominated by cereals or maize. In order to make chia available to German (Baden-Württemberg) agriculture as an alternative crop in the long term, the few existing varieties need to be further developed. To this end, a breeding programme - initially small - should be established in order to gain breeding experience and initiate initial material development. | |