H2020 BreedingValue Project: Pre-breeding strategies for obtaining new resilient and value-added berries

The second period of BreedingValue was dedicated to capturing and characterizing genetic diversity in GenRes and its value, revealing novel information for breeders, producers, and consumers. The bill of materials for the three species, containing constantly updated information on the use of genetic material in the different tasks of each work package, served as a reliable basis for all activities in the experimental design and expected data (Work Package 1). Field trials were planned and set up specifically for each task under different growing conditions, and data were collected for 2022 and 2023. The experimental trials were set up to analyze agronomic performance in response to different stresses of the pre-breeding materials generated by the project, and the data collected in 2022 and 2023 were used to measure increased sustainability through LCA. Regarding genotyping (Work Package 2), all experimental fields have been established. The various grantees are at different stages of field data recovery: some have completed sample collection, while other partners plan to collect samples as early as the 2024 season.

All collected samples were transferred to the genomic laboratory, which has already performed the analyses. Most companies have completed their genotyping, while others will also be active in the upcoming period. Phenotypic data have also been collected for gene/marker identification, and genomic prediction is being generated. Project leaders, in collaboration with various partners, have already begun analyzing the generated genomic data. As a result of specific calls, five companies have been included for MAS validation in strawberries and raspberries; two for genomic selection studies. Regarding phenotyping (WP3), the implementation of the previously developed harmonized SOPs for different parameters related to fruit quality and sensory analysis was continued.

Rapid screening methods, such as NIR spectroscopy and 3D imaging in strawberries, and hyperspectral imaging in raspberry and blueberry plants, were employed to build prediction models for fruit quality (for NIR and 3D imaging) and plant resilience and performance (for hyperspectral imaging). Software was developed to visualize plant architecture in 2D and 3D representations and to analyze its development. Postharvest studies were applied to the three species. To produce European-harmonized sensory analysis tools (WP4), the development of multilingual (7 languages) lexicons for berries was completed, to provide fruit quality descriptions. Research was conducted to validate the suitability and effectiveness of the lexicons using trained panels. Panel tests were performed using the developed lexicons. To communicate with stakeholders in fresh fruit, two regional workshops (Spain/UK) were organized.

The data collected through the Future Workshop methodology were combined with data previously collected through expert consultations. Contact with fruit chain stakeholders and consumers was completed through online surveys to gather information on consumer opinions on berry quality. The data showed clear common contours regarding perceived quality, sensory, hedonic, economic, and cultural berry choices, and relevant differences emerged between stakeholder perspectives and consumer preferences, verified by statistical analysis. To enable the standard methodology to organize consumer sensory testing of each berry species, guidelines and questionnaires were created, and consumer testing events were organized.

The methodology was communicated to breeding entities in Targeted Call 4. Work on a harmonized visualization methodology for fruit sensory quality is still in its early stages. The first collected sensory datasets were presented as sensory profiles and analyzed using statistical tests to validate the panel's test lexicons. Data management is considered a priority for BreedingValue, so WP5 was followed, collaborating closely with all WPs, in establishing the bills of materials and defining methodologies for sample collection and data recording. The Germinate platform was adopted to facilitate this process. Importing and integrating previous datasets was essential, starting with historical data provided by different partners. All partners agreed on the level of confidentiality to be applied depending on the data type.

Data visualization for GenRes exploration and analysis in a consumer- and community-friendly interaction was facilitated with new documentation and communication tools. All BreedingValue partners actively disseminated the project and its results (WP6), reaching a wide audience. This was achieved through dissemination at international conferences (e.g., IHC2022-FR, ISHS Rubus Ribes Symposium 2023-USA, PAG31-USA) and participation in various national scientific meetings. BreedingValue partners have already published 17 peer-reviewed articles. Several project workshops were organized, including a Workshop on Intellectual Property of Genetic Resources (GenRes) in 2023. Field demonstration activities were implemented, and workshops with producers and breeders were organized. To train young students and researchers at all levels in the technologies and knowledge developed by BreedingValue, three berry schools were organized in 2023. The project website continues to provide information about the project and its activities, and social media (X and LinkedIn) provides visibility to the general public. All activities are coordinated and overseen by the Steering Committee, which meets monthly (WP7).