Strawberry Domestication Targeted a Loss-of-Function Mutation in a Polygalacturonase Gene That Doubles Fruit Firmness and Increases Shelf Life. Fragaria x ananassa

Wildtype fruit of cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) are generally soft and highly perishable when fully ripe. The development of firm-fruited cultivars through phenotypic selection has greatly increased shelf life, decreased post-harvest perishability, and driven the expansion of strawberry production. This data submission aims to elucidate the genetic basis for increased fruit firmness in strawberries by focusing on the role of polygalacturonase genes. Our research identifies a loss-of-function mutation in the PG1-6A1 gene that significantly enhances fruit firmness. We provide genomic sequences, genetic variant analyses, and expression profiles demonstrating that PG1-6A1 is one of three tandemly duplicated genes linked to a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 6A. The data highlight the association of PG1-6A1 with fruit firmness and its interaction with other genetic variants, including a transposon insertion and SNPs. This information is relevant for developing marker-assisted selection tools aimed at improving fruit firmness and post-harvest qualities in strawberry breeding programs.