A multistate comparison of native octoploid strawberries from North and South America

An elite group of 38 strawberry accessions representing all subspecies of t he beach strawberry [Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Miller] and the scarlet straw berry (F. virginiana Miller) was planted in a replicated design at five loc ations across the United States, and evaluated for plant vigor, flowering d ate, runner density, fruit set, fruit appearance, and foliar disease resist ance. Considerable genotype x location interaction was observed for many of these traits. However, a few genotypes were impressive at all locations in cluding PI 551735 (FRA 368) with its unusually large, early fruit, and Pls 612486 (NC 95-19-1),612493 (Frederick 9), and 612499 (RH 30), which were ve ry vigorous and had unusually good fruit color. Genotypes that were superio r at individual locations included Pls 551527 (FRA 110) and 551728 (Pigeon Pt.) in Maryland for their large fruit, and PI 612490 (Scotts Creek) in Ore gon which had extremely large fruit, superior color, firmness, and flavor. The Pls 612495 (LH 50-4),612498 (RH 23), and 612499 (RH 30) performed well as day neutrals at multiple sites.