Specialty Crop: Annual Plasticulture Strawberry Production

Growers across Kentucky are looking for high-value specialty crops to help diversify their farming enterprises. Locally produced strawberries are a highly desired crop by consumers and grow well in Kentucky. While the matted row production system is well established, there is a need for research based information on the annual plasticulture system. Berries produced in this system will ripen approximately one month sooner than the earliest matted-row berries. Preliminary work has been done around the state, but there has not been the level of research needed to fully develop this industry. This project will enable us to provide that information.