Breeding F₁ hybrid day-neutral strawberries in eastern North America

Day-neutral strawberries are now becoming more popular in temperate regions of the world. However, because the plants initiate flowers continually, runner production becomes more difficult. One way overcome poor propagation rates, is to develop F₁ hybrid cultivars that can be seed propagated. F₁ hybrids can be developed which are day-neutral, do not produce runners, and have large, high quality fruits. Also, plants grown from seed can be sub-surface irrigated so that the leaves are free of diseases, such as Colletotrichum sp., and can be ready to plant more easily in the field at any time. Female inbred lines are required to ensure genetic uniformity and can be produced by dominant or recessive genes. Also, intellectual property can be protected more easily as the seed cannot be produced without access to the inbred lines. These and other issues are explored to indicate that breeding F₁ hybrid strawberries for commercial production is feasible.