Australian Strawberry Breeding Program Update

The Australian Strawberry Breeding Program (ASBP) focuses on developing high-yield, disease-resistant strawberry varieties suited to Australia’s temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates. The breeding process involves four trial stages, incorporating genomics and disease resistance screening. Recent selections include 113 subtropical and 92 Mediterranean seedlings, with promising traits for fruit quality and resilience. Industry engagement through field trials and grower feedback ensures practical application. Ongoing research includes Fusarium wilt and charcoal rot resistance screening, with genomics accelerating elite variety development. The program aims to enhance grower profitability and consumer satisfaction.