CBC Releases Castaic and Alhambra to Boost Strawberry Yields

In March 2025, California Berry Cultivars (CBC), LLC, announced the release of two new strawberry varieties: Castaic and Alhambra. These cultivars are designed to address specific challenges in strawberry production, aiming to enhance yields and fruit quality for growers.

Castaic: Enhancing Yields in Short-Day Production Systems

Castaic is tailored for short-day strawberry production systems, commonly utilized in regions like Southern California. While specific yield data for Castaic is not publicly available, the development of such varieties aligns with ongoing efforts to improve productivity in strawberry cultivation.

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, California accounts for approximately 90% of U.S. fresh strawberry production, with advancements in cultivar development contributing to increased yields and extended growing seasons 

Alhambra: Addressing Challenges in Day-Neutral Summer Production

Alhambra is developed for day-neutral strawberry production, which allows for fruiting regardless of day length, enabling extended harvest periods. This variety aims to overcome longstanding challenges in summer strawberry production, particularly in balancing yield and fruit quality.

The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture supports research focused on developing strawberry cultivars with improved disease resistance and fruit quality, essential traits for successful day-neutral varieties.

Broader Context: Strawberry Breeding and Production in the U.S.

The release of Castaic and Alhambra contributes to the broader landscape of strawberry breeding in the United States. Programs like the University of California, Davis's Strawberry Breeding Program, supported by the USDA, aim to develop cultivars with enhanced disease resistance, yield, and fruit quality.

These efforts are crucial, as soilborne diseases like Fusarium wilt pose significant threats to strawberry production. Developing resistant varieties helps mitigate crop losses and reduces reliance on chemical controls.

Looking Ahead: Continued Innovation in Strawberry Breeding

The introduction of Castaic and Alhambra by California Berry Cultivars represents a step forward in addressing specific challenges in strawberry production. By focusing on traits like yield enhancement and adaptability to different production systems, these varieties aim to support growers in meeting market demands and overcoming cultivation obstacles.