Genomic Insights into Wild Strawberry Evolution Reveal Key Climate Resilience Mechanisms

A comprehensive genomic investigation involving the analysis of 200 high-quality genomes of the wild strawberry, *Fragaria vesca* L., has provided a sophisticated understanding of how this dominant European perennial herb adapted to significant historical climate shifts. The research identified a distinct genetic divergence, categorizing populations into two primary clusters: the western and the eastern groups. This discovery is fundamental to decoding the intricate mechanisms that allow plants to adapt to changing environments over millennia, offering a window into the evolutionary history of the species.

One of the most significant findings involves the heightened resilience of eastern population cores during past glacial periods. Unlike their western counterparts, these eastern groups maintained larger effective population sizes and showed no significant evidence of inbreeding. This data underscores the vital role that eastern refugia played in safeguarding the species' genetic diversity through thousands of years of environmental stress. Such patterns of genetic isolation and preservation align with previous observations regarding the genomic landscape of Inner Eurasia, suggesting a broader trend in plant survival strategies.

Today, the expansive populations found throughout the European continent are sustained by a persistent genetic exchange that occurs along an east-west axis through Central Europe. This dynamic, characterized by the "core-periphery" model, has been instrumental in shaping the evolutionary path of the species by providing essential genetic plasticity. Research into other *Fragaria* species, particularly concerning breeding for winter hardiness, further emphasizes how geographic origin dictates critical adaptive characteristics and influences the species' ability to thrive in diverse climates.

Parallel scientific efforts have successfully decoded the specific genetic determinants that grant wild *F. vesca* its remarkable cold tolerance. These identified genetic factors offer a promising foundation for modern breeding programs, which aim to develop cultivated strawberry varieties that can better withstand the devastating effects of late spring frosts. In the field of fruit and berry cultivation, the identification and mobilization of genes resistant to adverse conditions remain a top priority, as targeting specific candidate genes significantly accelerates the development process compared to traditional breeding techniques.

Ultimately, this genomic analysis of *F. vesca* does more than just reconstruct a history of survival amidst climate instability; it provides tangible genetic resources to improve the resilience of contemporary agricultural crops. Investigations into the genetic control of reproductive traits, such as the seasonal flowering patterns observed in West Siberian populations, highlight the species' complex genetic architecture and its responsiveness to growing season conditions. The insights gained regarding genetic divergence and the robust mechanisms of eastern populations serve as a critical asset for breeders looking to fortify berry crops against the climate challenges of the future.