Research into genetically native species still in its infancy

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MARKET & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Fleur Dil, Wednesday 27 August 2025

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Nursery Cruydt-Hoeck aims for 100 percent genetically native seeds

In the world of wildflowers and native seed, Jojanneke Bijkerk is considered an expert. As co-owner of Cruydt-Hoeck, she has been committed to biodiversity restoration for nearly twenty years. The title Greenfluencer of the Year 2024 therefore feels to her like recognition for years of behind-the-scenes work. 'It took us a long time to put biodiversity restoration and native wildflower seeds on the map. Now we are ready to tell the refined story about genetically native material.'

Jojanneke Bijkerk, co-owner of Cruydt-Hoeck: 'We are now ready to tell the refined story about genetically native material.'

And that story is necessary. Biodiversity in the Netherlands is under severe pressure. One of the keys to recovery is the reintroduction of plants that naturally belong in our regions. Not just native species, but genetically native plants: plants from here that are adapted to our soil life, climate, and local insects.

why genetically native?

Plants of genetically native species differ from plants of native species from faraway countries because of their genetic adaptation to local conditions. Through centuries of evolution, these plants are perfectly integrated into the local ecology. 'Research shows that indigenous plants attract more insects and more parasites,' Bijkerk explains. 'And that contributes to a richer ecosystem. For example, a daisy from southern France is genetically different from a daisy from Drenthe. That affects flowering time, scent, defense chemicals, nutritional value, and the associated biodiversity.'

a daisy from southern france is genetically different from a daisy from drenthe

search for balance

Awareness of the importance of genetically native species is growing, but practice is stubborn. 'For example, we do not yet know how far genetically related populations can be apart,' says Bijkerk. 'Sometimes a species already differs greatly at 50 kilometers distance, sometimes only at 300 kilometers. That varies greatly per species, and we do not know enough about it.' That is why Cruydt-Hoeck works with a combination of scientific insights, practical experience, and educated guesses. The company collects and multiplies seeds from various regions and composes mixtures that match the local situation as closely as possible.

This also brings logistical and economic challenges. 'If we were to set up a separate cultivation for each region, it would cost enormous manpower and money. In addition, you always have to deal with cross-pollination. So we are constantly looking for a workable balance between ecology and economy.' In doing so, Cruydt-Hoeck works closely with cultivation partners to distribute the number of crops and prevent populations from crossing.

flowers are always a win

The reality remains that the supply of genetically native material is still limited. According to Bijkerk, about 60 to 70 percent of their mixtures currently consist of genetically native species. 'We are not there yet, but we are making progress every year. Until then, the rule is: as long as there are flowers. For the bees, the birds, the entire ecosystem — it is really five past twelve.'

Although demand for wildflower mixtures is increasing, awareness of the origin of species and their importance is still lacking. 'Municipalities and clients should at least ask themselves to what extent the seed used is genetically native. Often cheap mixtures are chosen from countries where labor and land are cheaper and where there is no attention to nature-friendly cultivation. I even hear that some seeds come from New Zealand. They can grow perfectly well there, but it does affect the genetic material.'

research in its infancy

On the scientific front, research into genetic dispersal patterns is slowly getting underway. In Germany, intensive studies are already being carried out into the genetic structures within plant species. 'Sometimes there turn out to be as many as eight genetic regions per species, each with its own adaptations. In the Netherlands we are only at the beginning. We contribute to these studies by providing seeds and samples, so that we gain more and more knowledge and insight into these genetic structures and can continuously refine our mixtures.'

Jasper Helmantel, co-owner of Cruydt-Hoeck and partner of Jojanneke Bijkerk

Based on scientific insights and their own experience, Cruydt-Hoeck developed indigenous municipal mixtures for public spaces and regional garden mixtures for private individuals. 'These are received with great enthusiasm. It also provides more experience and connection with one's own environment.'

looking ahead

Where will Cruydt-Hoeck be in five years, if Bijkerk has her way? 'I hope that by then our mixtures will be close to 100 percent genetically native material and that more growers and researchers will engage in this. Ultimately, it is about awareness: the more flowers, the better — but preferably flowers that truly belong to this landscape.'

For Bijkerk, the title Greenfluencer of the Year 2024 also feels like confirmation of a broader movement. 'That was exactly our goal: this story needs more recognition.' And that story is more urgent than ever. Because although genetic research into native flora is still in its infancy, the call to action is crystal clear. 'We are in a huge hurry. Population recovery is possible, as long as we ensure nature — also in the city and the park.'

This article was first published on August 28, 2025 on the Stad + Groen website.

Cruydt-Hoeck BV

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