Combining ability and heterosis in strawberry

What is it about?

In this study, a top-cross experiment was established to evaluate 15 S4 inbred lines of strawberry for their combining abilities in relation to the phytochemical properties. In particular, we estimatedvitamin C, total anthocyanin and phenol contents in fruits and antioxidant activity in parental genotypes (S0 cultivars) and F1 hybrids. On this basis, we determined mid-S0-parent heterosis in hybrid offspring of individual S4 lines crossed to tester ‘Dukat’ and compared to the non-inbred (S0-parent) cultivars used in this study.

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Why is it important?

This study showed wide genetic diversity among the investigated genotypes for chemical parameters. Because many consumers now take into account health aspect of food product, this knowledge could be useful for determining genetic diversity and breeding value of the parental form in strawberry. The authors emphasized that data for vitamin C, anthocyanin and phenolic content in fruits and antioxidant activity could be used for germplasm management and more efficient choices of parents in current strawberry breeding programmes.

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