A Natural Pentaploid Strawberry Genotype from the Changbai Mountains in Northeast China

A natural strawberry genotype, `Jilin 4', was collected from the Changbai Mountains located in Gongzhuling Region, Jilin Province, Northeast China. It was identified as a pentaploid (2n = 5x = 35) by counting the chromosomes of the root-tip cells. Natural pentaploid strawberries have not been reported as originating in China or outside of California in the U.S. Jilin 4 was the most vigorous genotype among representatives of all 15 wild species of Fragaria and more than 60 cultivars of F. ×ananassa in a common garden. The size of its flowers and anthers were similar to those of cultivars and it produced abundant runners. The pollen was viable, but the pistils were sterile. It appeared to be drought and cold tolerant, but showed symptoms of local virus infection. There are three possible origins of Jilin 4, which are discussed in this report.