European supermarkets' abundant supply of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries is under threat due to the increasingly unpredictable growing conditions caused by climate change. This has made berries more susceptible to pests, diseases, and droughts. To address this, Professor Bruno Mezzetti of Marche Polytechnic University in Italy is leading an EU-funded project to enhance the genetic diversity of these fruits, aiming to make them more resilient without compromising their taste, texture, and aroma.
The project, named BreedingValue, runs until 2024 and focuses on germplasm, the seeds, plants, and plant parts useful in crop breeding, research, and conservation. 'The aim is to identify the best genetic sources, particularly for disease resistance, water resistance, resilience, adaptability, sugar and aroma,' Mezzetti explained.
Strawberries, the leading berry produced in the EU, had a global market worth about €14 billion in 2020, with Europe’s share valued at around €3.5 billion. The BreedingValue project involves 20 partners from eight European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Turkey. The initiative aims to boost resilience and enhance sensorial traits that are crucial for consumer appeal.
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com
