Phenotypic characterization of pink-flowered strawberry forms developed at the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, and Winemaking, Russia

The study reports the evaluation of ten hybrid forms of pink-flowered strawberry developed at the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, and Winemaking (NCFSCHVW, Krasnodar, Russia). Research was conducted in 2023–2025 at the Shared-Use Facility for the Research and Breeding Collection of Genetic Resources of Fruit and Berry Crops, NCFSCHVW. The objective was to assess ornamental traits and consumer appeal and to identify hybrid selections suitable for different segments of the ornamental and amateur gardening markets. Hybrids were cultivated using the standard strawberry-production technology adopted in the Krasnodar Territory. Ornamental traits were evaluated according to the approach of V. V. Nikolenko, supplemented by a 15-point score for flower color in hybrid 9-4-21 and additional descriptors applied to all accessions, including inflorescence characteristics, vigor, and plant architecture. The following ornamental parameters were scored: flower color, diameter, and morphology; number of inflorescences and flowers per inflorescence; flower position relative to the foliage; plant vigor and growth habit; and flowering duration. Agronomic and biological traits were also recorded, including the number of inflorescences, flowers, and berries; mean berry mass; berry height and diameter; yield; and soluble-solids and vitamin C content. The evaluation identified several promising hybrid forms for ornamental and amateur horticulture. All selections exhibited 

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