Strawberry Breeding in Uruguay

Evaluation of the sensory characteristics of strawberry cultivars throughout the harvest season using projective mapping

“…Traditionally, agronomic research has aimed at developing cultivars that have better yield, bigger fruit size, higher resistance to transportation and diseases, as well as longer postharvest shelf‐life . In particular, Uruguayan breeding programs have focused on adapting cultivars to local environmental conditions in order to increase yields and fruit quality during winter and summer, improve vegetative development and minimize the incidence of fruit and crown diseases . Considering that fresh strawberries are mainly consumed for their sensory characteristics, it is essential that new cultivars seeking to replace or compete with available cultivars have comparable or superior sensory quality.…”

Application of a check‐all‐that‐apply question for the evaluation of strawberry cultivars from a breeding program

“…However, consumers purchase strawberries looking for an enjoyable eating experience and therefore fresh strawberries with good sensory characteristics are greatly demanded 6. For this reason, research on cultivar development and evaluation should put emphasis on fruit quality, particularly sensory and nutritional quality 7…”

“…On the other hand, citric acid content is not usually affected by the level of shading 11. However, the influence of weather on fruit development depends on the cultivar, which makes necessary the evaluation of new strawberry cultivars under unfavourable weather conditions during breeding research 7…”

Strawberry Production in Brazil and South America

“…Increased acreage and improved production technology have contributed to greater yields and improved product quality (Kirschbaum and Hancock, 2000;Gambardella and Pertuzè, 2006;Nacimiento, 2009;Vicente et al, 2009;Antunes et al, 2010;Gambardella, 2010). Currently, it is estimated Kirschbaum and Hancock, 2000. that South America produces about 318,686 metric tons of strawberry on 11,884 hectares.…”

“…Besides the North American cultivars, some countries, such as Uruguay, have started their own breeding program and have released cultivars, such as INIA Guenoa, INIA Yurí, and INIA Yvapitá (Vicente et al, 2009), that are better adapted to local growing conditions. Much of the strawberries produced in South American countries are consumed fresh locally.…”