2022-2025 SCBG-UK-Organic Strawberries: Organic Strawberries: Production of Plugs and Low Tunnel Fruit

This project will focus on production of organic strawberries in both low and high tunnels. Tunnels are one method to produce high quality berries with an earlier fruiting window. However, the economic trade-offs of season extension of strawberries has not been evaluated, nor optimized for organic production. This project will develop production guidelines for organic strawberry production in high and low tunnels, from propagation to harvest. We will use a variety of strategies to increase efficiency and quality for organic strawberry production in Kentucky, including on-farm plug propagation, use of various season extension strategies including thermal blankets, low tunnels and high tunnels, and analysis of these techniques to achieve earlier strawberry production for maximum market value. All project activities will take place at the University of Kentucky Horticulture Research Farm. Project results will be communicated to industry stakeholder groups through outreach activities with the Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference, the Organic Association of Kentucky and Cooperative Extension efforts.