Population genomic analysis uncovers complex breeding history of celery

Celery, a key vegetable in the Apiaceae family, is widely valued for its nutrition and medicinal uses. It is commonly categorized into three varieties: A. graveolens var. dulce (common celery) with thick and solid petioles; A. graveolens var. rapaceum (celeriac) characterized by a round, enlarged hypocotyl; and A. graveolens var. secalinum (smallage or leaf celery) with slender, aromatic petioles. However, current research predominantly focuses on common celery, leaving the other two varieties understudied, thus limiting insights into their evolutionary history and genetic diversity.