In Vitro Germination and Establishment of Some Strawberry Species

Abstract Seed from three octoploid (2n = 8x = 56) Fragaria species [F. × ananassa Duch., F. chiloensis (L.) Duch., and F. virginiana Duch.] and three diploid (2n = 2x = 14) species (F. vesca L., F. viridis Duch., and F. daltoniana J. Gay) were placed in vitro on water agar (WA) and ex vitro on 1 sand : 1 sphagnum (v/v) mix. Seed of the octoploid species germinated best regardless of medium. Octoploid species also exhibited better establishment on modified Boxus proliferation medium than the diploids. Five in vitro germination media were tested for F. vesca and F. × ananassa. Fragaria × ananassa germinated best when WA, or WA + sucrose (Su) + 0.1, or 0.05 strength Boxus proliferation nutrients (Nu) was used as the germination medium. Fragaria vesca showed no difference in germination on Su or Nu. However, establishment of F. vesca on proliferation medium was improved if Nu was included in the germination medium. Data indicated that selection for diploid genotypes with good in vitro establishment is possible.