International Team Sequences Full Woodland Strawberry Genome
A team of 74 researchers from 38 research institutes across the globe have collaborated to sequence the genome of the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca). Woodland strawberry is a close relative of the cultivated strawberry and is rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, minerals, potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as substances for flavor and aroma.
The research has been recently published in Nature Genetics with Weizman Institute's Plant Sciences Department scientists Drs. Asaph Aharoni and Avidal Adato as co-authors. The researchers found that the genome is relatively short, simple and easy to manipulate, and the plant grows quickly and easily.
The scientists have now an important tool to further improve the cultivated strawberry, such as understanding how to return the flavors and aromas of the cultivated strawberry. It will also provide insights into other related agricultural crops as well as fruit trees.
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This article is part of the Crop Biotech Update, a weekly summary of world developments in agri-biotech for developing countries, produced by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology, International Service for the Aquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications SEAsiaCenter (ISAAA)