The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) announced five new strawberry varieties that are resistant to Fusarium wilt according to a release. The new varieties are high yield with enhanced fruit quality. The varieties are called UC Eclipse, UC Golden Gate, UC Keystone, UC Monarch and UC Surfline and are available through California nurseries from Foundation Plant Services for purchase.
In the U.S., roughly 88% of strawberries come from California and one of the biggest causes of loss in strawberries is Fusarium wilt. Fusarium became a bigger concern in the U.S. after methyl bromide was phased out of use in 2005.
“The disease has taken off fast and we need to react quickly to address the need,” said Glenn Cole, a breeder and field manager with the Strawberry Breeding Program.
The plant breeders gathered DNA to pick and design plants that have genes that offer Fusarium resistance.
“These tools have allowed us to sweep out the susceptibility and bring in resistance,” said Steve Knapp, director of the UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program.
More information: UC Davis.
