
University of California strawberry breeding program
The University of California strawberry breeding program develops new strawberry varieties by selecting and crossing different plants to improve traits like flavor, size, yield, disease resistance, and shelf life. Researchers analyze these plants over several years to find the best performers, ensuring they meet consumer preferences and grow well in California's climate. The goal is to produce strawberries that are tastier, more resilient, and more sustainable for farmers and consumers. This ongoing effort helps maintain California's leadership in strawberry production and innovation.