Researchers from the Strawberry Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology Group, affiliated with the Andalusian Institute of Research and Training for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Organic Production (Ifapa) in Malaga, Spain, have taken a new step in improving the qualities of this emblematic fruit. Their study made it possible to identify specific regions of the strawberry genome associated with better firmness, a crucial parameter for conservation and transport. This discovery led to the development of a molecular marker capable of selecting varieties that are 50% firmer.
The research, which is based on the analysis of 124 genetic accessions from the Fragaria material bank of the Ifapa center in Malaga (Spain), evaluated no less than 26 agronomic and qualitative characteristics of the fruits. Among these traits, size, firmness, sugar and vitamin C content were at the top of the criteria studied.
The results highlighted the impacts of genetic improvement on these characteristics. While notable progress has been seen in size and firmness, compromises have been noted in key aspects such as sugar and vitamin C content.
One of the key points of this study lies in the identification of specific regions of the genome, notably on chromosome 6A, which plays a major role in fruit firmness. This advance is directly linked to the expression of a particular gene, FaPG1whose action regulates the firmness of the strawberries. Thanks to these discoveries, researchers have developed a molecular marker which will allow breeders to develop varieties meeting this criterion more quickly.
The creation of new varieties of strawberries is a long and complex process, integrating various parameters linked to the cultivation and quality of the fruits. Traditionally, this approach was based on direct observation of plants, a slow method and subject to uncertainties. Advances in genetics, and in particular the use of DNA markers, now offer powerful tools to precisely identify specific characteristics, thus speeding up the selection process.
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This study, supported by the National Research Agency, the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, as well as European FEDER funds, marks a turning point in strawberry research. The results were published in the scientific journal The Plant Genomeconfirming the international scope of this work.
