Strawberry Research Group

Perennial growth cycle and climate adaptation

We explore environmental and genetic regulation of growth cycle in a perennial model species woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca). Woodland strawberry is widely distributed through Europe and exhibits significant natural variation in the control of growth cycle including the timing of flowering and dormancy. To understand the role of this variation in climate adaptation, we carry out population genomic screens to reveal signatures of natural selection and their phenotypic consequences on the growth cycle. The function of selected candidate genes as drivers of climate adaptation will be tested using molecular genetic and physiological studies.

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