Genome-Assisted Breeding in the Octoploid Strawberry

The application of genomic information to the breeding of allo-octoploid (2n = 8x = 56) cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) has increased rapidly in the last five years. These advances have been fueled by technological improvements in high-throughput genotyping and genome sequencing, as well as concerted efforts to develop DNA tests for routine use in breeding. Genome-wide and subgenome-specific markers have advanced availability of DNA tests for major loci, as well as the development and validation of genomic selection methodology for complex traits in strawberry. Eight DNA tests for fruit quality and disease resistance loci are fully or partially in the public sphere. Genome-wide predictions have delivered genetic gain efficiencies for parent selection larger than 50% of conventional methods but without the need for phenotypic information. Meanwhile, the construction of haploblocks and haplotypes allows increased understanding of genome structure as it relates to breeding applications. With octoploid sequence assemblies merely months away and the development of gene editing technologies, precision manipulation of genes may shape the future of strawberry genetic improvement.