A scientific study by Ifapa in Malaga identifies specific regions of the strawberry genome to improve its firmness.

A team of researchers from Ifapa in Malaga has identified regions of the strawberry genome that influence its firmness, allowing them to develop a molecular marker to more efficiently select varieties that are 50% firmer.

The study analyzed 124 strawberry varieties from the Fragaria Germplasm Bank, evaluating traits such as size, firmness, sugar content, and vitamin C. It found that genetic improvement increased fruit firmness and size but reduced sugar and vitamin C content.

Scientists discovered that a region of chromosome 6A influences fruit firmness through the FaPG1 gene. This breakthrough facilitates the selection of firmer strawberries using genetic tools, streamlining the breeding process without relying solely on traditional observation.

The study, funded by Spanish and European institutions, has been published in the scientific journal The Plant Genome, which can be consulted online: https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tpg2.20509