Latest findings on the natural variation in fruit carotenoid content in strawberry

Carotenoids are a diverse group of pigments imparting red, orange, and yellow hues to many horticultural plants, also enhancing their nutritional properties and health benefits. In strawberry, the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating the natural variation of fruit carotenoid composition remain largely unexplored.

A study recently published by researchers of the BreedingValue consortium in the 'Plant Biotechnology Journal' shows how differential expression of CCD4(4B) drives natural variation in fruit carotenoid content in strawberry.

These findings provide valuable genetic insights into the natural variation of carotenoid composition and accumulation in strawberry. A high-resolution melting (HRM) DNA test developed in this study offers a rapid and reliable method for predicting high carotenoid content in strawberry fruits, representing a valuable tool for breeding projects aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of this crop.

Direct link to the publication:

Amaya et al. (2025): Differential expression of CCD4(4B) drives natural variation in fruit carotenoid content in strawberry (Fragaria spp.), Plant Biotechnol. J, 23: 679-691. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.14523