<em>In Vitro</em> Propagation and Conservation of <em>Fragaria</em> Species

The genus Fragaria L. belongs to the family Rosaceae. The basic chromosome number is 7 (x = 7). Around 20 species of diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid and octoploid are found in the genus. The species of Fragaria are commonly known as strawberries. The genus is found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere as well as South America. The most extensively distributed species in the genus is F. vesca L. and the commonly cultivated strawberry is F. x ananassa Duch. While strawberries are native to temperate climates, some varieties can be grown in subtropical climates. Fragaria is a vegetatively propagated crop. The easiest and most direct method for conservation of the strawberry plants is in a field gene bank. Their germplasm remains at risk of loss due to biotic and abiotic factors including climate change. Besides, this approach does not result in the distribution of healthy, virus-free plants. In vitro techniques are in place to propagate and conserve Fragaria germplasm. In vitro storage may be done in cold conditions, or liquid nitrogen as meristem or shoot tip. In this review chapter, tissue culture propagation technique, various aspects and strategies for conservation of Fragaria species will be discussed to present a holistic view of ex situ conservation of Fragaria genetic resources