Review of Horseradish Breeding for Improved Root Quality and Yield in Illinois, USA

Horseradish cultivars are highly heterozygous clones and maintained through asexual propagation, using root cuttings. For many years, horseradish was believed to be sterile therefore impossible improve by traditional sexual crosses. Prior the 20th century, only way select plant cuttings from most desirable plants. Moreover, development of new improved has also been somewhat limited lack viable seed resulting low fertility flowers. However, in Illinois, USA, a breeding program initiated 1950s develop additional widen genetic base few being grown at time. In more recent proven cross technique primarily used obtain genotypes horseradish, since it is efficient producing cultivars, compared polycross method that had previously for decades combinations. Since minor specialty crop with very little available information regarding procedures, this review developed provide better understanding pollination barriers methods improvement, procedures cultivar development, achievements limitations. The essential sustained success USA industry provides growers continuous supply selections have increased vigor, outstanding quality, high yields.