The U.S. Department of Agriculture Strawberry Breeding Program1

Abstract

Abstract The U.S. Department of Agriculture strawberry breeding program has introduced 61 cultivars from 6 breeding locations in its 61-year history. Fifteen to 20 of these cultivars have been widely grown, and 5 of the recent releases show exceptional promise. From its inception, the program has been aimed at producing high-quality, multipurpose cultivars with disease resistance and broad regional adaptation. Because of disease pressures, genetic resistance has been emphasized, especially for red stele root rot. The USDA has become the principal source of red stele-resistant germplasm for breeding pruposes, and has constantly refined and improved its disease-screening techniques. Red stele and Verticillium resistance have now been incorporated into everbearing strawberries adapted to the eastern United States. Investigations concerning virus detection and eradication and the propagation of virus-free stocks have led to state virus-free plant certification programs, which assure the public of production of the cleanest possible strawberry nursery stocks. The work of the USDA and cooperating state stations has played a significant role in the improvement of strawberry cultivars and the development of modern strawberry production in the United States.