Screening of wild strawberry germplasm for iron-deficiency tolerance under hydroponic conditions

Summary

This study screened 23 wild strawberry genotypes for iron-deficiency tolerance under hydroponic conditions, identifying substantial genetic variation in Fe efficiency (51–98%) among progenitor species. Two contrasting genotypes were selected to characterise the physiological mechanisms underpinning tolerance, revealing that acidification of the nutrient solution and root Fe reductase activity were closely associated with elevated shoot iron concentration. The findings highlight the importance of both root iron uptake and root-to-shoot translocation in determining overall iron-deficiency tolerance.

Regional applicability

Wild strawberry germplasm screening under controlled hydroponic conditions may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom field cultivation, where soil-based production predominates and iron availability is typically adequate. However, the genetic variation identified could inform UK horticultural breeding programmes seeking to develop iron-efficient cultivars for use on calcareous or alkaline soils where iron deficiency chlorosis occasionally occurs.

Key measures

Iron efficiency (%), pH of growth medium, root Fe reductase activity, total and active Fe concentration in shoot tissue

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated iron-deficiency tolerance (FeDT) of 23 wild strawberry genotypes and identified physiological mechanisms including root Fe reductase activity, nutrient solution pH, and root-to-shoot Fe translocation. Fe efficiency varied between 51% and 98% among genotypes, with Fragaria chiloensis subspecies AukeLake showing high resistance and RCP37 showing high sensitivity.

Topic tags