**1. Introduction**

The genus *Fragaria* L. belongs to the family Rosaceae. The species of *Fragaria* are commonly known as strawberries. The fruit is technically known as accessory fruit (Achne) because the fleshy part is not derived from ovaries but from receptacles. The basic chromosome number is 7 (x = 7). There are around 20 species found in the genus of diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid and octoploid in nature*. Fragaria* is found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere as well as South America. Natural hybridization between *F*. *chiloensis* (octaploid) with *F*. *virginiana* (octaploid) gave rise to the present-day strawberry cultivars, *F.* × *ananassa* Duch. [1]. A large number of commercial varieties evolved later. *Fragaria* has *Duchesnea* and *Potentilla* as close relatives [2, 3]. Most extensively distributed species in the genus *F. vesca* L., is native to northern Eurasia, North and South America [4]. The commonly cultivated strawberry*, F.* x *ananassa* Duch., is grown in most of the arable regions of the world [5].

While strawberries are native to temperate climates, some varieties can be grown in subtropical climates. Many countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa produce strawberries. In 2018, the highest producer of strawberries was China (2.7 million tons) followed by US (1.2 million tons) and Mexico (0.59 million tons) [6]. Generally, strawberry is used for table and desert purposes; however various value-added products are also prepared like strawberry jam, jelly, candy and canned strawberry. A holistic approach is required to conserve such a valuable economically important species. Tissue culture technology has significantly contributed towards the propagation and conservation of *Fragaria* germplasm. The sections below will be useful for breeders, researchers, farmers, farm managers to have an overview of *Fragaria* genetic resource and its *ex situ* conservation.
