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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » National Clonal Germplasm Repository » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #334415
Title: DNA tests for strawberry: mesifurane "sherry" aroma - FaOMT-SI/NO

Author
item Zurn, Jason
item PIASKOWSKI, JULIA - Washington State University
item AMAYA, IRAIDA - Ifapa Centro Alameda Del Obispo
item PEACE, CAMERON - Washington State University
item Bassil, Nahla

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2016
Publication Date: 9/1/2016
Citation: Zurn, J.D., Piaskowski, J.L., Amaya, I., Peace, C., Bassil, N.V. 2016. DNA tests for strawberry: mesifurane "sherry" aroma - FaOMT-SI/NO. Extension Publications. https://www.rosbreed.org/breeding/strawberry; 1:1-2.

Interpretive Summary: The amazing flavor and texture in strawberries is caused by a complex balance of numerous sugars and aromatic compounds. One of the most important aromatic compounds contributing to the flavor we have come to love in strawberries is mesifurane. Mesifurane produces a sweet sherry-like aroma and increases in concentration as the strawberry ripens. We describe a DNA test that predicts the presence of the gene responsible for mesifurane production in strawberry fruit.

Technical Abstract: The amazing flavor and texture in strawberries is caused by a complex balance of numerous sugars and aromatic compounds. One of the most important aromatic compounds contributing to the flavor we have come to love in strawberries is mesifurane. Mesifurane produces a sweet sherry-like aroma and increases in concentration as the strawberry ripens. Mesifurane production in cultivated strawberries is greatly influenced by the gene FaOMT. The sequence of FaOMT has been well characterized, allowing scientists to study the gene’s function. Allelic variation within the gene’s promoter sequence (regulating gene expression) effectively turn the gene on or off. Mesifurane is not present in the berry unless the gene is turned on. The DNA test FaOMT-SI/NO was developed to identify which alleles are present in any strawberry individual.