The infraspecific taxa of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Based on systematic field observations of 330 genebank accessions, a literature review and on inspection of the relevant herbarium materials, a formal taxonomic distinction of three subspecies covering ten botanical varieties of coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.) is proposed. Besides morphological characters, the characteristics of the volatile oil in the coriander fruits are used for description of the infraspecific groups. Characterization data from the coriander collections at the German and the Canadian national genebanks were used, genebank accessions and herbarium specimens are designated as reference specimens for the proposed infraspecific taxa. The relevance of the classification for use in plant breeding work, genebank management, and for understanding the geographical distribution and evolution of coriander is discussed.