BREEDING FOR RESISTANCE TO COLLETOTRICHUM SPP. IN THE SOUTH OF SPAIN

Fresas Nuevos Materiales S.A. initiated a breeding program in 2002 to develop strawberry cultivars resistant to Colletotrichum spp. and adapted to the Southern Spain conditions. Some preliminary work was done during the seasons 2002/3 and 2003/4 resulting 101 first-year selections. During the seasons 2004/5, 2005/6 and 2006/7 were made 31, 26 and 25 crosses resulting 1154, 601 and 798 seedlings respectively, that were evaluated for resistance to Colletotrichum spp. The resistant 132 (11.43%), 101 (16.80%) and 210 (26.31%) and with appropriate agronomic traits were field tested the next season as first-year selections. The number of first-year selections during de seasons 2004/5, 2005/6 and 2006/7 were 101, 72 and 56. Twenty four and 22 second-year selections were field tested for agronomic traits and quality in the seasons 2005/6 and 2006/7. Seven advanced selections were field tested for agronomic traits and quality in the season 2006/7. The selected advanced selections were re-evaluated for resistance to Colletotrichum spp. Along the process of evaluation, only the best cultivars continue in trials. Results for resistance to Colletotrichum spp. are given for eight cultivars and four checks. Field trials results are given for 2005/6 and 2006/7 seasons. Some cultivars have appropriate agronomic traits to be used as parents or for commercial release.