In the heart of China’s thriving strawberry industry, a treasure trove of genetic resources is being meticulously preserved and innovatively utilized, promising to shape the future of this vital sector. The National Peach and Strawberry Germplasm Resources Repository (Beijing) has been diligently collecting, conserving, and evaluating strawberry germplasm since its establishment in 1981. By the end of 2024, the repository will have cataloged an impressive 418 accessions, including wild species, local varieties, and bred varieties, according to a recent study published in ‘Guoshu xuebao’.
This rich genetic diversity is a goldmine for breeders and researchers, offering a wide array of traits that can be harnessed to improve strawberry cultivars. “We have screened out fourteen germplasms with excellent and specific traits, such as good quality, high resistance, day-neutral, and high yielding,” said lead author SUN Rui from the Institute of Forestry and Pomology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences. These traits are not just academic interests; they are the building blocks for developing strawberries that can withstand environmental stresses, offer better yields, and meet the demands of a discerning market.
The repository’s work has already borne fruit, quite literally. Using superior germplasms as backbone parents, researchers have bred and released 25 new strawberry cultivars with high fruit quality and varying maturity periods. These new cultivars are not just a boon for farmers but also for consumers who benefit from a longer strawberry season and improved fruit quality.
The commercial impact of this research is substantial. Farmers adopting these elite germplasm resources have reported significant economic gains. Moreover, the repository has shared a total of 1655 accessions with 125 organizations, including universities, research institutes, and production and processing companies, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and growth in the strawberry industry.
But the repository’s work goes beyond breeding. They are also delving into the genetic underpinnings of important traits. For instance, they have identified key genes like FaNES1 and FvAATW2 that regulate fruit aroma, and AKR23 that influences ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content. These findings lay the groundwork for precision breeding, enabling breeders to develop strawberries with specific traits more efficiently.
The research also sheds light on the evolutionary history of the Fragaria genus. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genomes suggests that global temperature changes and the uplifting of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau might have driven the formation of taxa and polyploidization in the genus. This not only deepens our understanding of strawberry evolution but also provides insights that could be valuable for future breeding programs.
Looking ahead, the repository plans to continue its work in collection, preservation, innovation, sharing, and utilization of strawberry germplasm resources. Their efforts are not just about improving the strawberry industry; they are about ensuring its sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
As the world grapples with climate change and environmental challenges, the work of the National Peach and Strawberry Germplasm Resources Repository (Beijing) serves as a reminder of the power of genetic diversity and the importance of preserving and utilizing these resources for the benefit of all. Their research, led by experts like SUN Rui, is paving the way for a future where strawberries are not just a delicious treat but also a symbol of agricultural resilience and innovation.