Baruzzi (CREA): 'Never have so many strawberry varieties been grown in Italy as now'

"Today we can say with certainty that the number of strawberry varieties cultivated in Italy has reached a level never recorded before," says Gianluca Baruzzi (CREA), "and Macfrut 2025 will be the opportunity to present this broad panorama, along with the latest innovations."

The researcher will in fact present in the Berry Area the latest strawberry varieties available in Italy from the main breeders, with over 10 varietal programs represented.

Italian varietal panorama

According to the latest survey by CSO, there are over 30 varieties cultivated throughout the Peninsula, from North to South. A figure that, in all likelihood, underestimates the actual varietal diversity present, as it does not take into account cultivations on smaller areas, often excluded from statistical surveys.

Confirming this varietal richness, the pre-multiplication centers intended for the production of certified mother plants (QVI) hold as many as 71 conserved varieties (source: CAV).

A further indicator of the sector's dynamism comes from the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO). According to the official database, between 2020 and 2024, over 200 applications were submitted for community plant variety rights for new strawberry varieties.

Breeding expansion

This data confirms the intense activity of genetic improvement underway, carried out both by public entities and, increasingly, by private organizations. In particular, privately originated breeding programs are experiencing a strong phase of expansion.

The goals of genetic improvement projects are multiple. Regarding single-bearing varieties, there is a distinction between those developed for low chill requirement environments, typical of Southern Italy, and those selected for environments with a medium-high chill requirement, suitable for the North and continental areas.

There is also growing interest in day-neutral remontant material, capable of reblooming regardless of photoperiod, and thus adaptable to different climatic conditions, from the South to the North.

Adaptability and priorities

The extraordinary genetic variability of the strawberry, derived from the crossing of two wild species of different origin, allows the crop to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.

This is why selection programs aim to obtain varieties perfectly calibrated to the environment in which the genetic improvement is carried out. However, the same genotype can show very different behaviors depending on the pedoclimatic context.

Despite the diversification of objectives, breeding programs share some cross-cutting priorities: early ripening, improvement of fruit quality both in terms of sensory and nutraceutical aspects, and increased plant hardiness.

This last aspect is increasingly strategic, especially in light of the restrictions imposed on soil fumigations.

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