Exploring the Role of Biotechnology in Strawberry Improvement: A Comparative Study of Fragaria × ananassa ‘Amaou’ and ‘Rosa Linda’

Abstract Strawberries ( Fragaria × ananassa ) are economically valuable yet highly perishable fruits, sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight. This review compares the Japanese cultivar ‘Amaou’ and the Indonesian cultivar ‘Rosa Linda’ in terms of phenotypic expression, shaped by genotype-environment interactions. By understanding these, this study aims to provide insights into optimal cultivation techniques using biotechnology to produce high-quality strawberries that are suitable for the Indonesian climate. In Japan, ‘Amaou’ is cultivated under temperate climates and modern agricultural systems, resulting in consistently large, sweet, and visually uniform fruits. In contrast, ‘Rosa Linda’, grown in tropical highland regions like Lembang and Malang using traditional practices, tends to produce smaller, more acidic fruits with variable quality. While genetic background contributes to fruit traits, findings emphasize the dominant influence of environmental control and cultivation methods. Furthermore, this paper highlights the role of biotechnology, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and tissue culture, in enhancing fruit quality and adapting cultivars to specific ecological conditions. Practical strategies such as controlled greenhouse and precision agriculture can also optimise local cultivation and boost the productivity of Indonesian strawberries.