North American crop wild relatives of temperate berries (Fragaria L., Ribes L., Rubus L., and Vaccinium L.)

Abstract

The crop wild relatives of temperate berry species abound on the North American continent, where more than 180 species are endemic. The development and production of berry crops, such as strawberries (Fragaria L.), currants and gooseberries (Ribes L.), raspberries and blackberries (Rubus L.), and blueberries and cranberries (Vaccinium L.), have global economic importance. The cultivated crops derived from these species have a total global annual farm gate value of roughly USD $3.7 billion, with production on the rise. Global strawberry production is more than twice the combined production of other temperate berry crops. Berries are highly nutritious and positively impact consumer health and vitality. Significant North American genetic resources have contributed to the development and cultivation of these globally produced and consumed crops.