This investment is producing healthy propagation material for the pre-commercial temperate, sub-tropical and Mediterranean varieties developed through the industry’s national breeding program, currently managed by the levy-funded project National strawberry varietal improvement program (BS17000). Together, these projects are ensuring that the Australian strawberry industry has access to improved, locally adapted varieties into the future, continuing the development and commercial release of superior varieties for targeted environments.

Project BS19000 specifically undertakes vigorous testing for a range of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens, as well as heat treatment for pathogen eradication. High-health pathogen-tested strawberry varieties are critical to industry as they reduce the economic impact of pests and diseases on runner and fruit production.