Biotech Updates

Scientists Reveal Genetic Ancestry of Cultivated Strawberry

September 7, 2016

Researchers from the University of New Hamphire (UNH) revealed the genetic mystery of Fragaria iinumae, one of the ancestors of cultivated strawberry. After four years of study, the researchers completed the genetic analysis, which could lead to improved varieties of strawberry.

The scientists made a linkage map of the seven chromosomes of F. iinumae, which enabled them to solve the genetic puzzle about the eight sets of chromosomes of cultivated strawberry. The cultivated strawberry is believed to have four diploid genetic ancestors, one of which is F. iinumae. In 2011, the UNH researchers and partners sequenced Fragaria vesca, another diploid ancestor of the cultivated strawberry. This reference sequence instantly became an essential resource in strawberry genetic research in many countries. Thus, the genomic sequence of F. iinumae complements the sequence of F. vesca and will also be vital in advancing research on strawberry genome.

Read more details from UNH.