Physiological and growth responses to water deficits in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and in one of its progenitors, Fragaria chiloensis

► Variation in response to water deficit was found between Fragaria genotypes. ► Fragaria chiloensis was generally more resistant to water deficit than F. × ananassa. ► F. chiloensis generally showed far lower transpiration rates than F. × ananassa. ► Two F. chiloensis accessions showed relatively high transpiration efficiency. ► The F. chiloensis accessions 'BSP14' and 'ZB4' efficiently use available water.