Characteristics of F1 Hybrids and Inbred lines in Octoploid Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne)

With 4 figures and 3 tables Abstract The strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duchesne) plant is an octoploid vegetative propagated plant, and its cultivation is labour intensive in comparison with other plants propagated from seeds. The aims of this study were to develop an inbred line from octoploid strawberry and to generate an F1 hybrid cultivar through the combination of inbred lines. All inbred lines were obtained through selfing using five cultivars. Inbred lines were produced by selecting the best individuals for further inbreeding from each of the previous generations. Plant vigour and yield in inbred lines were low compared with the original cultivar, but completely recovered in the F1 hybrid. Breeding of inbred lines in octoploid strawberry can be achieved if individuals showing inbreeding depression are eliminated and vigorous individuals are selected, resulting in a strong heterosis of F1 hybrids through crossing between inbred lines.