Enhance Strawberry Production in North Central Region through Tunnel-based Systems

Final report for LNC21-454

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LNC21-454 (project overview)
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2021: $250,000.00
Projected End Date: 11/01/2025
Grant Recipient: Purdue University
Region: North Central
State: Indiana
Project Coordinator:
Wenjing Guan
Email
Purdue University
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Project Information

Summary:

Locally produced strawberries have strong market potential; however, challenges associated with traditional matted-row systems, the emergence of alternative production methods in other parts of the United States, rapid turnover of strawberry cultivars, and the increasing availability of low-tech high tunnels in the North Central region underscore the need to evaluate the suitability of alternative production systems for this region. Developing practical production guidelines for the most promising systems is also essential to support the growth of local strawberry industries.

In this project, we evaluated multiple strawberry cultivars across several production systems at three locations in southern and northern Indiana and southern Ohio, representing the diverse climate conditions of the lower Midwest. Targeted systems included soil-based high tunnel production, substrate-based tabletop production, and open-field plasticulture. We also conducted research on an emerging strawberry disease. To complement station-based trials, we collaborated with local farms to conduct on-farm evaluations, which helped identify additional challenges and considerations for real-world adoption.

Findings from this project have been shared or scheduled for presentation at grower conferences in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Ontario, Canada. Outreach efforts also included developing the Strawberry Chat podcast, producing an educational video, hosting field days and workshops, and publishing newsletter articles. Seven peer‑reviewed journal articles have been published to date, and one Extension publication summarizing the major project outcomes is in the final stages of preparation.

Overall, the project identified soil-based high tunnel systems and modified plasticulture systems as highly promising for widespread adoption in the lower Midwest. Since the project began, we have observed growing interest in high tunnel strawberry production, with farmers successfully adopting the system. Modified plasticulture has similarly gained traction in the region. Although substrate-based tabletop systems for day-neutral strawberries are appealing, our results indicate that achieving consistently high yields in the lower Midwest requires greenhouses with more advanced environmental controls.

Project Objectives:

Objective 1. Improve strawberry production systems in the Lower Midwest, including soil-based high-tunnel production, tabletop production in protected structures, and open-field plasticulture systems.

Objective 2. Develop sustainable, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored to a diversity of strawberry production systems.

Objective 3. Establish scale-appropriate production budgets for representative strawberry production systems.

Objective 4. Develop regionally relevant recommendations for strawberry production in the Lower Midwest and disseminate these recommendations through multiple Extension outlets.

Introduction:

Locally produced strawberries have strong market potential. However, from the 1980s through the early 2000s, both the number of strawberry farms and total acreage declined across much of the North Central Region (NCR). In the 21st century, expanding farmers markets and increased consumer interest in local foods—especially during and after the pandemic—have renewed interest in local strawberry production.

Traditionally, strawberries in the NCR have been grown in matted‑row systems. In this perennial system, plants are grown in bare soil for three to four years. The first harvest occurs in the second year, and plantings are renovated annually. In the southern United States, however, matted‑row production has largely been replaced by an annual plasticulture system. In this system, June‑bearing strawberry plugs are transplanted into plastic‑covered raised beds in late summer or fall. Fruit is harvested the following spring, and plants are removed after the season ends. This approach reduces weed pressure and allows harvest only a few months after planting. Despite these advantages, high establishment costs and only moderate yields have limited widespread adoption of annual plasticulture in the NCR.

In the past two decades, commercial strawberry industry has seen major changes in cultivar availability. More than 100 cultivars—including day‑neutral types that insensitive to day length to initiate flowering—have been released. Because day‑neutral cultivars flower continuously under suitable temperatures, they offer the potential for extended strawberry production.

High tunnels, which are unheated, plastic‑covered structures, offer an intermediate level of environmental control. They protect plants from rain and wind, increase heat accumulation, and provide moderate frost protection. High‑tunnel production reduces weather‑related risks and can extend the harvest season. Although strawberries are one of the most common high‑tunnel crops in parts of Asia, their potential in U.S. high‑tunnel production systems remains limited explored. Our preliminary studies on soil‑based high‑tunnel strawberry production showed promising results but also highlighted key questions related to cultivar choice, planting dates, pest management, and winter row‑cover strategies. We conducted a series of experiments to address these needs and refine the system.

Substrate‑based table‑top production systems offer a way to overcome limitations associated with soil‑based production. In collaboration with project investigators at The Ohio State University and Tanglewood Berry Farm in Fort Wayne, IN, we conducted multiple studies to evaluate the potential of table‑top day‑neutral strawberry production under high tunnels.

In open‑field plasticulture, we examined the use of low tunnels as a lower‑cost alternative to high tunnels to increase yield. We also conducted studies to evaluate two‑year plasticulture systems using different mulch colors and cultivars.

In the early stages of our work, we identified two‑spotted spider mites and aphids as the primary insect pests in high‑tunnel strawberry systems. Because many growers using these systems prefer to limit or avoid synthetic chemical pesticides, we investigated cultural practices and biological control options for managing these pests. In our preliminary low‑tunnel work, we isolated Pestalotiopsis spp. from diseased strawberry tissues. The related disease Neopestalotiopsis—first identified in Florida—has since spread rapidly to many strawberry‑producing regions. Within this project, we conducted additional studies to better understand the presence and impact of this pathogen in Indiana and the lower Midwest, and to evaluate fungicide options and cultivar responses to support disease management.

Cooperators

Click linked name(s) to expand/collapse or show everyone's info

Research

Hypothesis:

Soil-based high tunnel system: Strawberry production in soil-based high tunnels can be improved through strategic cultivar selection, optimized planting dates, refined microclimate management practices, and improved pest management.

Tabletop high tunnel system: Tabletop production of day-neutral strawberries under protected structures can be adopted by small-scale and diversified growers in the North Central Region to further enhance local strawberry production in an extended period.

Open-field plasticulture system: Yields in annual plasticulture systems can be enhanced by incorporating low tunnels. Additionally, careful selection of cultivars and mulch colors can improve the feasibility of extending the system to two-year production.

Materials and methods:

Soil-based high tunnel system:

The detailed materials and methods of a study evaluating strawberry cultivars in a soil-based high tunnel system were described in the journal article: Strawberry cultivar evaluation for fall-planted high tunnel system. HortTechnology. 32:542-551 DOI: 10.21273/HORTTECH05103-22

The detailed materials and methods for a study evaluating row cover management and its effects on strawberry yields and two-spotted spider mites and aphids were described in this journal article: Active versus passive winter row cover management: Impacts on strawberry yields and pests inside high tunnels. HortTechnology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05622-25.

Research to evaluate different cultivars was also conducted at the outlier farmstead, Bloomington IN; Eden Prairie Farm, Greenfield, IN; and Perkins’ Good Earth Farm, De Motte, IN. (Figure 1-3)

On-farm research at Outlier farmstead, Bloomington IN. The farmer shared their experience on the Strawberry Chat podcast. The photo was taken in May, 2023
Figure 1. On-farm research at Outlier farmstead, Bloomington IN. The farmer shared their experience on the Strawberry Chat podcast. The photo was taken in May, 2023
On-farm research at Eden Prairie Farm, Greenfield, IN. The farmer shared their experience on the Strawberry Chat podcast. The photo was taken in May, 2023.
Figure 2. On-farm research at Eden Prairie Farm, Greenfield, IN. The farmer shared their experience on the Strawberry Chat podcast. The photo was taken in May, 2023.
On-farm research at Perkins' Good Earth Farm, De Motte, IN. The photo was taken in October, 2022.
Figure 3. On-farm research at Perkins' Good Earth Farm, De Motte, IN. The photo was taken in October, 2022.

 

Table-top high tunnel system:

The detailed materials and methods of a study evaluating strawberry production in a Table-top system (Figure 4) under high tunnels were published in this report Strawberry Production in an elevated bench system inside a high tunnel in southern Indiana.

The same table-top system was also used at the Tanglewood Berry Farm and explored spring-planted bare-root Albion under high tunnels in Fort Wayne, IN.

Figure 1. Strawberry production in a table-top system with 1-gallon grow bags and peat-based potting soil at the Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center, Purdue University, Vincennes, IN, in April 2022.
Figure 4. Strawberry production in a table-top system with 1-gallon grow bags and peat-based potting soil at the Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center, Purdue University, Vincennes, IN. The photo was taken in April 2022.

The OSU collaborators evaluated a different table-top system under high tunnels (Figure 5). The materials and methods were presented at the 2024 Ohio High Tunnel Workshop and 2025 Tri-State High Tunnel School and summarized below:

Coir grow bags (Botanicoir) were used in the study, and the gutter system was purchased from METEOR SYSTEMS. The bags were 1 meter long and planted 8 strawberry plants. Each bag has 4 drip emitters. Fertilization and irrigation were intensively managed. Roughly, it was run 3 times daily for 4 minutes each. Three fertilizer tanks were included: calcium nitrate, Jack’s berry fertilizer 8-10-26, and sulfuric acid to adjust pH. The leaches were collected and monitored for EC and pH throughout the season. In spring, foliar fertilizers were applied to supplement the nutrient needs. Row covers were actively used from Nov. 10, 2022, to protect blooms. The system was disassembled in winter, and plants were pruned. Bags were put in the ground and covered with floating row covers on Dec. 14, 2022. The row covers were removed on Feb. 20, 2023, and actively managed until the end of March. 

Figure 2. Table-top strawberry production with coir grow bag and a gutter system at South Centers, The Ohio State University, Piketon, OH. Photo was taken in April, 2022.
Figure 5. Table-top strawberry production with coir grow bag and a gutter system at South Centers, The Ohio State University, Piketon, OH. The photo was taken in April, 2022.

Plasticulture system

  • Two-year plasticulture system

Detailed materials and method for a two-year plasticulture strawberry production system with 15 June-bearing cultivars and white vs. black plastic mulch has been published in the journal article: Evaluation of June-bearing strawberry cultivars under a two-year plasticulture system using black and white mulch colors in the lower Midwest. HortTechnology. DOI:  10.21273/HORTTECH05781-25.

  • Annual plasticulture system

Detailed materials and method for incorporating low tunnels in annual plasticulture strawberry production were presented at growers conferences in Indiana and Illinois, and summarized in below:
The trials were conducted in 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 seasons at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center in Vincennes, IN. Plugs sourced from local nurseries were used in the study. The field were covered with row covers in Dec. or Jan, and uncovered around end of Feb.

Activities

2019-2020

2020-21

2021-22

Evaluated cultivars

Chandler, Camarosa, Camino Real, Radiance, Beauty, San Andreas, Sensation, Liz, Fronteras, Ruby June 

Chandler, Camino Real, Radiance, San Andreas, Sensation, Liz, Rocco, Flavorfest, Galletta, Ruby June

Chandler, Camarosa, Flavorfest, Galletta, Fronteras, Ruby June, AC Valley, Darselect, Malwina

Transplanting

Sep. 9, 2019

Aug 24, 2020

Aug 19, 2021

Low tunnels (Figure 6)

Oct. 10, 2019

Installed on Oct. 11 2020, and removed on Dec. 15, 2020

Installed on Oct. 21, 2021, and removed on Dec. 7, 2021

Harvest duration

May 7 to June 11, 2020

May 11 to June 14, 2021

May 13 to June 22
Figure 3. install low tunnels over plasticulture strawberry at Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center, Purdue University, Vincennes, IN, in October, 2019.
Figure 6. Installing low tunnels over plasticulture strawberry at Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center, Purdue University, Vincennes, IN. The photo was taken in October, 2019.
  • Spring-planted day-neutral strawberries in the open-field plasticulture with and without low tunnels

The trial was conducted at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center in spring 2019. The evaluated cultivars include Portola, Evie-2, Mara Des Bois, Albion, Seascape, San Andreas, Monterey, and Tribute. Bare-root plants were planted on black plastic mulch on Mar. 22. Cultivar Portola was planted on Apr. 10 due to back-order. Each of the eight cultivars were grown either with a retractable low tunnel system (Dubois agrinovation) or without it (Figure 7). Strawberries were harvested from middle May to end of June. Due to lack of plant maintenance and weed control in the summer. Harvest was not continued in the fall.

Figure 4. Day-neutral strawberries grown on plasituclture system with and without retractable low tunnels at Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center, Purdue University, Vincennes, IN. The photo was taken in May 2019.
Figure 7. Day-neutral strawberries grown on a plastic structure system with and without retractable low tunnels at Southwest Purdue Agriculture Center, Purdue University, Vincennes, IN. The photo was taken in May 2019.
  • Pest management

Detailed materials and methods for experiments to evaluate strawberry cultivar susceptibility to Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot were described in the journal article: Strawberry cultivar susceptibility to Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot in Indiana. Plant Health Progress. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-05-22-0049-RS

Detailed materials and methods for experiments to evaluate strawberry cultivar susceptibility to Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot were described in the article: Evaluation of fungicides for the management of Neopestalotiopsis leafspot Plant Disease Management Reports 16:PF045

Detailed materials and methods for experiments to evaluate acaricide against twospotted spider mites on different strawberry cultivars were described in the article: Impact of selected acaricides against twospotted spider mite on 7 strawberry varieties grown in high tunnel, 2023. Arthropod Management Tests 49(1). Tsae064. https://doi.org/10.1093/amt/tsae064

Research results and discussion:

Soil-based high tunnel system:

Results for a study evaluating strawberry cultivars in a soil-based high tunnel system were described in the journal article: Strawberry cultivar evaluation for fall-planted high tunnel system. HortTechnology. 32:542-551 DOI: 10.21273/HORTTECH05103-22

Results of a study evaluating row cover management and its effects on strawberry yields and two spotted spider mites and aphids were described in this journal article: Active versus passive winter row cover management: Impacts on strawberry yields and pests inside high tunnels. HortTechnology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05622-25.

Table-top high tunnel system:

We explored two table-top systems, detailed budget of the two systems are described below:

A. coir grow bags (Botanicoir) and a gutter system (METEOR SYSTEMS) (Figure 5)

Partial cost of the table top system for a 4’ by 100’ area. Assuming two rows with a total of 480 plants.

Item

Quantity

$/Unit

Cost ($)

Notes

Irrigation supplies

200

0.56/feet

112

Maybe reusable

Botanicoir grow bag (1 meter, 8 plants)

60

3.25/bag

195

Consumable

Gutters

200

3.67/feet

734

Maybe reusable

Concrete block

120

$3.88/concrete

464

Reusable

Total

 

 

1505

 

B. fabric bags and peat-based growing medium (Pro Mix). (Figure 4)

Partial cost of the table top system for a 4’ by 100’ area.
One row with 376 plants.

Item

Quantity

$/Unit

Cost ($)

Notes

Irrigation supplies

376

1.85/one set

695

Maybe reusable

Growing medium (bag)

7

37/bag

259

Consumable

Fabric grow bag (1 gallon)

376

1.85/grow bag

 695

Maybe reusable

Bench

1

1325/bench

1325

Reusable

Total

 

 

2974

 

Detailed results of a study evaluating strawberry production in a Table-top system (A) under high tunnels were published in this report:
Strawberry Production in an elevated bench system inside a high tunnel in southern Indiana. Midwest Vegetable Trial Report.

Detailed results of a study evaluating strawberry production in a Table-top system (B) under high tunnels were presented at the 2024 Ohio High Tunnel Workshop and 2025 Tri-State High Tunnel School. Yield results were summarized below.

Total yield in fall and spring

Cultivar

Marketable yield (lb/plant)

Monterey

1.07

San Andreas

0.99

Sweet Charlie

0.90

Sensation

0.77

Chandler

0.69

An additional trial was conducted by collaborators at the OSU. Detailed results were described in the publication Ohio-grown strawberries under controlled environment-towards year-round local production.

At Tanglewood Berry Farm. The reseracher summarized the resutls: 

There was significant cold damage to the plants. There was also considerable damage from field moles and chipmunks. The winter cover provided an ideal shelter for these pests. The summer and fall yields for the bench plants averaged ½ lb. per plant. Growing day-neutral cultivars, in pots on a bench, for an extended period and over- wintering required much less labor in renovating and better-quality fruit than grown in ground. Pest damage and cold protection need improvement. Harvest labor was significantly less. The yields were not significant enough to be sustainable. It is not practical to manually vent the tunnel on sunny days through the winter. Large swings in temperatures caused blossoming as early as mid-February. These blossoms became damaged later when temperatures dropped below 30 degrees F at the plant leaf canopy. These conditions severely affected the spring yields.  A more secure tunnel with automated side ventilation will help with pest management and temperature swings.

Plasticulture system

Results for a two-year plasticulture strawberry production system with 15 June-bearing cultivars and white vs. black plastic mulch has been published in the journal article: Evaluation of June-bearing strawberry cultivars under a two-year plasticulture system using black and white mulch colors in the lower Midwest. HortTechnology. DOI:  10.21273/HORTTECH05781-25.

Results for incorporating low tunnels in annual plasticulture strawberry production were presented at growers conferences in Indiana and Illinois, and summarized in below:
The trials were conducted in 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 seasons at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center in Vincennes, IN. Results were presented in the presentation slides (Figures 8-10).

Figure 8. Incorporating low tunnels in an annual plasticulture strawberry production. 2019-20 results.
Figure 8. Incorporating low tunnels in an annual plasticulture strawberry production. 2019-20 results.
Figure 9. Incorporating low tunnels in an annual plasticulture strawberry production. 2020-21 results.
Figure 9. Incorporating low tunnels in an annual plasticulture strawberry production. 2020-21 results.
Figure 10. Incorporating low tunnels in an annual plasticulture strawberry production. 2021-22 results.
Figure 10. Incorporating low tunnels in an annual plasticulture strawberry production. 2021-22 results.
  • Spring-planted day-neutral strawberries in the open-field plasticulture with and without low tunnel

Results of the exploration have been presented at grower conferences, and key findings were summarized in the presentation slide (Figure 11). 

Figure 11. Spring-planted day-neutral strawberry on plasticulture system project results.
Figure 11. Spring-planted day-neutral strawberry on plasticulture system project results.

Pest Management 

Detailed results for experiments to evaluate strawberry cultivar susceptibility to Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot were described in the journal article: Strawberry cultivar susceptibility to Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot in Indiana. Plant Health Progress. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-05-22-0049-RS

Detailed results for experiments to evaluate strawberry cultivar susceptibility to Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot were described in the article: Evaluation of fungicides for the management of Neopestalotiopsis leafspot Plant Disease Management Reports 16:PF045

Detailed results for experiments to evaluate acaricide against twospotted spider mites on different strawberry cultivars were described in the article: Impact of selected acaricides against twospotted spider mite on 7 strawberry varieties grown in high tunnel, 2023. Arthropod Management Tests 49(1). Tsae064. https://doi.org/10.1093/amt/tsae064

Research conclusions:

The project explored various strategies for growing strawberries and extending the production season in the lower Midwest. We think the soil-based high tunnel system has the most significant potential to be adapted by small and diversified farmers in the lower Midwest. However, if current soil conditions are not suitable for strawberry production, these soil issues need to be addressed before planting, as do several other challenges. The plasticulture system can be extended to the second year to improve the yield potential. Multiple factors should be considered when selecting strawberry cultivars and plastic mulch for the two-year production. Although a low tunnel could potentially improve yield when conditions are not optimal in an annual plasticulture system, the additional yield is unlikely to justify the added cost. There are numerous advantages of growing strawberries in table-top system. However, growing strawberries in a tabletop system under high tunnels is hardly economically feasible. To achieve consistently good yields of day-neutral strawberries in the lower Midwest, greenhouses equipped with more advanced environmental controls are needed in the region. 

Participation summary
5 Farmers/Ranchers participating in research
2 Ag service providers participating in research

Education

Educational approach:

This project utilized a diverse range of educational methods to disseminate research-based information to promote strawberry production in the north-central region. We have delivered 17 presentations across six states and Canada, at high tunnel workshops, farmer conferences, and through academic and industry webinars, reaching over 500 farmers and agricultural professionals with research-based information. Additionally, five field days showcasing project results were held in Indiana and Ohio, attracting an estimated 150 attendees. Our outreach efforts also include publishing seven peer-reviewed journal articles and 25 Extension newsletter articles, developing an educational video, and launching a podcast. Beyond these channels, we work directly with farmers to apply project findings in real-world farming conditions. We are currently at the final stage of developing an Extension bulletin to deliver the information.

 

Project Activities

SWPAC_Strawberry Field Day
Soil based high tunnel production system on-farm demonstration
A Midwestern Perspective on a New Strawberry Disease Caused by Neopestalotiopsis spp.
Local strawberry production with alternative production systems
Strawberry production in high tunnel
High tunnel strawberry production: Opportunities and challenges
2023 Southwest Purdue Ag Center Field Day

Educational & Outreach Activities

80 Consultations
1 Curricula, factsheets or educational tools
7 Journal articles
5 On-farm demonstrations
2 Online trainings
27 Published press articles, newsletters
12 Tours
17 Webinars / talks / presentations
5 Workshop field days

Participation summary:

1,000 Farmers/Ranchers
100 Agricultural service providers
Education/outreach description:

Consultations

Dr. Guan is frequently consulted by farmers who grow strawberries in different systems. Direct consultations through phone calls, emails, farm visits, etc. were estimated to be 20 events per year. For the past four years, we estimated 80 consultation events. 

Curricula, factsheets, or educational tools

  1. Extension Bulletin: Strawberry Production Systems for Indiana and the Lower Midwest: A Grower’s Guide
    The Extension Bulletin that summarizes the primary project outcomes is in the final stages of preparation. We expect to publish before May 2026. 

Journal articles

  1. Arana, J., S.L. Meyers, W. Guan. 2025. Evaluation of June-bearing strawberry cultivars under a two-year plasticulture system using black and white mulch colors in the lower Midwest. HortTechnology. DOI: 21273/HORTTECH05781-25
  2. Guan, W., S. Willden, L. Ingwell. 2025. Active versus passive winter row cover management: Impacts on strawberry yields and pests inside high tunnels. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05622-25.
  3. Willden, S.A., Guan, W., and L.L. Ingwell. 2024. Impact of selected acaricides against twospotted spider mite on 7 strawberry varieties grown in high tunnel, 2023. Arthropod Management Tests 49(1). Tsae064.
  4. Guan, W., D. Haseman, L. Ingwell, S. Willden and D. Egel. 2023. Strawberry Production in an elevated bench system inside a high tunnel in southern Indiana. Midwest Vegetable Trial Report.
  5. Guan, W, J. Bonkowski, T. Creswell and D.S. Egel. 2023. Strawberry cultivar susceptibility to Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot in Indiana. Plant Health Progress. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-05-22-0049-RS
  6. Guan, W., D. Haseman, L. Ingwell and D.S. Egel. 2022. Strawberry cultivar evaluation for fall-planted high tunnel system. HortTechnology. 32:542-551 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05103-22
  7. Egel, G., Guan, J. Bonkowski, T. Creswell. 2022. Evaluation of fungicides for the management of Neopestalotiopsis leafspot Plant Disease Management Reports 16:PF045

On-farm Demonstrations

Soil-based high tunnel strawberry production on-farm demonstration trials were established at three commercial farms (Outlier Farm, Bloomington, IN; Eden Prairie Farm in Eden, IN;  Perkins' Good Earth Farm in De Motte, IN) in the 2022-2023 season. Farmers who collaborated on the project are Nic Garza, Collin Ireland and David Robb, and Dan Perkins. The on-farm demonstration trials help us understand: 1. Yield potential of the production system in real-farm situations; 2. Economic feasibility of the production system for small-scale, diversified vegetable farms; 3. Potential production challenges that were not realized through on-station experiments.

Two farmers shared their experiences participating in this on-farm trial through the Strawberry Chat Podcast. Farmer Interview with David Robb
Farmer Interview with Nick Garza and Marie O'Neill 

The trial was terminated at Perkins' Good Earth Farm because of poor plant performance. The plugs were planted in bare soil in a caterpillar tunnel and managed similarly to other leaf vegetables grown in the tunnel. We learned at this site that it is critical to have ground cover and drip irrigation to ensure fast plant establishment in the fall. 

Due to the widespread concern of Neopestalotiopsis contaminating strawberry plugs, we discontinued on-farm trials in subsequent seasons to avoid potentially introducing the disease to collaborating farmers. However, we continue to collaborate closely with Tanglewood Berry Farm, Ritter Family Farm, Beasley’s Orchard, McKinley Orchard, Melon Acre to explore various strawberry production systems in real-world farming conditions. 

Online trainings

  1. Podcast Strawberry Chat https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/strawberrychat
  2. Video High tunnel system: Alternative Systems for Strawberry Production. Purdue University

Published press articles, newsletters

Popular Press

  1. Strawberry options: Plasticulture, matted-row production. Fruit Growers News. Nov. 2023. 
  2. Strawberry options: Plasticulture, matted-row production. Vegetable Growers News. Dec. 2023. 

Newsletters (published on Purdue Extension Newsletter Vegetable Crops Hotline and Facts for Fancy Fruit) 

  1. Strawberry Plug Production at Kube-Pak. Aug 2023
  2. Plug? Bare-root? What Other Options for Plasticulture Strawberry Planting? June 2023
  3. Why do the East Side of My Strawberry Rows Have Way More Ripe Ones than the West Side? May 2023
  4. Strawberry Crop Update May 2023
  5. Strawberry Spring Frost Protection—Considerations in March Mar 2023
  6. Plasticulture Strawberry Crop Status: Are Additional Protections Needed to Encourage Fall Growth? 2022
  7. Applying Row Covers for Winter Protection in Plasticulture Strawberry Production 2022
  8. Strawberry Pests Observed in 2022 Season June 2022
  9. Is it Okay to Propagate Your Own Strawberry Plug Plants? June 2022
  10. New Strawberry Disease May 2022
  11. Strawberry Update May 2021
  12. Strawberry Chat Podcast — Farmer Interview with Brad Bapst: Plasticulture Production in Southern Ohio 2024
  13. Strawberry Growers: Navigating the Challenges of Neopestalotiopsis Disease Aug 2024
  14. Do June-bearing Strawberries Harvest in June? June 2024
  15. Discussion with Dr. Marvin Pritts about Strawberry Production in the Northeast May 2024
  16. Indiana Strawberry Production Census May 2024
  17. Indiana Strawberry Crop Status Update 2024
  18. Strawberry Disease Management Considerations Apr 2024
  19. Plasticulture Strawberry Crop Status in Southern Indiana Mar 2024
  20. Why You Should Remove Old Leaves on Plasticulture Strawberries May 2024
  21. Overwintering insects on high tunnel strawberry and impacts on yield 2024
  22. Performance of 15 June-bearing Strawberry Cultivars Grown in Plasticulture System for Two Seasons in Indiana June 2025
  23. Strawberry Chat Podcast: Neopestalotiopsis and Resistant Strawberry Varieties May 2025
  24. Plasticulture Strawberry Update from Southern Indiana Apr 2025
  25. Strawberry Chat Podcast — Interview with Sam Erwin, Indiana Berry Company 2025

Tours 
Tours conducted at Southwest Purdue Ag Center (SWPAC), Purdue University:
1. Jasper County Farm Bureau Tour (6/7/2022). About 20 participants visited SWPAC in the tour organized by the Jasper County Farm Bureau.  Wenjing Guan talked about the NC-SARE-funded strawberry projects at this event. 
2. RELITE group tour organized by WIN Energy REMC (6/23/2022). About 30 individual who has an interest in specialty crop production participated in this tour. Wenjing Guan talked about the NC-SARE-funded strawberry projects at this event. 
3. 2022 Purdue University New Faculty Tour (8/11/2022). Purdue Colleague of Ag Dean led a tour of about 30 new faculties in the colleague visited SWPAC. Wenjing Guan talked about the NC-SARE-funded strawberry projects at this event. 
4. 2023 Vincennes University student tour (6/27/2023). Around 100 students with an interest in agriculture tour SWPAC. Wenjing Guan talked about the NC-SARE-funded strawberry projects at this event. 
5. Purdue University Food Science Department Tour (8/18/2023). About 40 faculties, students and staffs in the Food Science Department toured SWPAC. Wenjing Guan talked about the NC-SARE-funded strawberry projects at this event. 
6. Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program (9/7/2023). About 30 agricultural professionals visited SWPAC. Wenjing Guan talked about the NC-SARE-funded strawberry projects at this event. 
7. Multiple School Programs including South Knox middle school summer activity program, Techmester program of Vincennes University, STEM academy camp of Vincennes University visited Southwest Purdue Ag Center in summer 2024. Wenjing talked about local strawberry production and introduced the NC-SARE funded strawberry project. A total of about 150 students participated those programs. 

Tours conducted at South Center, Ohio State University: 
8. Youth Cooperative Leadership Experience (3/31/23). More than 30 students from the Ohio Valley Career and Technical Center and Peebles High School visited South Centers. Thomas Harker talked about the NC-SARE-supported strawberry projects conducted at the South Center. 
9. Specialty Crops Field Night (7/27/23). About 15 farmers took part in a two-part, online and in-person hybrid workshop to take a closer look at innovative production techniques for specialty crops. Thomas Harker talked about the NC-SARE-supported strawberry projects conducted at the South Center. 
10. Congressional Assistant Tour (8/17/23). A group of around 20, including staff members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation, Governor’s office, and members of the university’s Government Affairs staff and Extension Advisory Committee visited South Centers. Thomas Harker talked about the NC-SARE-supported strawberry projects conducted at the South Center. 
11. Dean Kreager Licking County Tour (8/30/23). Dean Kreager brought to South Centers a group of 37 mostly semi-retired people with predominately farm-type backgrounds who were interested in seeing new methods of production, improved crops, and types of agriculture. Thomas Harker talked about the NC-SARE-supported strawberry projects conducted at the South Center. 
12. Ohio No-Till Council & Pike Co. SWSD Field Night (8/31/23). The field night has 23 participants. Thomas Harker talked about the NC-SARE-supported strawberry projects conducted at the South Center. 

Webinars, talks and presentations

  1. Tri-state High Tunnel School. Strawberry Production in High Tunnel – Mr. Thom Harker, Research Associate, OSU South Centers Pesticide Credits? Mar 14 2025.
  2. 2025 Indiana Hort Conference & Expo. High Tunnel Track. Managing environment for strawberry and greens over winter. Danville IN. Jan. 15, 2025.
  3. ASHS Annual Conference. Active vs. Passive Row Cover Management: Impacts on Abiotic Growing Conditions, Yield, and Pests on Overwintering Strawberry. Honolulu, HI. Sep. 27, 2024.
  4. 2024 Ohio High Tunnel Workshop. High tunnel strawberry production. Mar. 7, 2024. Piketon, OH (53)
  5. 2024 Indiana Hort Conference & Expo. Small Fruit Track. Effects of Cultivar and Plastic Mulch Color on Strawberry Runner Production and Yield. Danville IN. Jan 23. 2024. (15)
  6. 2024 Indiana Small Farm Conference. Active vs. Passive Row Cover Management: Impacts on Abiotic Growing Conditions, Yield, and Pests on Overwintering Strawberry (poster). Feb. 29 2024. Danville, IN. SB high tunnel poster 2.23.2024 SFC_Guan (1) 
  7. 2024 Indiana Small Farm Conference. A Case Study of Strawberry Production in an Elevated Bench Growing System Inside a High Tunnel in Southern Indiana (poster). Feb. 29 2024. Danville, IN. table top poster 2.23.2024 SFC_Guan (1)
  8. 2023 Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention. A Midwestern perspective on a new strawberry disease caused by Neopestalotiopsis spp. Feb. 22 2023. Niagara Falls, ON. (40)
  9. 2023 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School. Local strawberry production with alternative production systems. Feb 8 2023. Mt Vernon, IL. (30)
  10. AeroFarms Café. Strawberry production in high tunnel. Virtual. AeroFarm, Newark, NJ. Apr 19 2022. (20)
  11. North America Strawberry Growers Association Annual Conference. High tunnel strawberry production: Opportunities and challenges. Nashville, TN. Jan 17 2022. (70)
  12. 2023 Indiana Small Farm Conference. Strawberry production at small farms. Danville, IN. Mar.3 2023 (30)
  13. Purdue Extension Fruit Management Webinar Series. 2021. Alternative strawberry production systems, where it fits in Indiana. Mar. 2021. (40)
  14. Southwest Indiana Melon and Vegetable Growers Annual Meeting. What do we know about growing strawberry in plasticultural system in southern Indiana. French Lick, IN. Mar. 2022 (75)

To be conducted 

  1. 2026 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School. Evaluation of June-Bearing Strawberry Cultivars Under a Two-Year Plasticulture System Using Black and White Mulch Colors in the Lower Midwest. Feb. 11 2026.
  2. 2026 Great Plains Growers Conference. Plasticulture Strawberry Production. St Joseph, MO. Jan. 10 2026
  3. 2026 Great Plains Growers Conference. Enhancing Strawberry Production in the North Central Plains through Tunnel-Based Systems. St Joseph, MO. Jan. 9 2026

Workshop/field days

  1. 2024 Purdue Fruit and Vegetable Field Day. Pollinators in high tunnel vs. open field production. Lafayette, IN. July 18, 2024.
  2. 2024 Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day. Strawberry propagation and strawberry production at small farms. West Lafayette, IN. July 25 2024.
  3. 2024 Ohio High Tunnel Workshop. This workshop highlighted the strawberry research conducted at the OSU South Center. Piketon, OH. Mar. 7, 2024. 
  4. 2023 Southwest Purdue Ag Center Field Day. About 50 local growers and agricultural professionals participated the field day. The field day showed the strawberry research conducted at SWPAC. Vincennes, IN. June 28, 2023. 
  5. Southwest Purdue Ag Center Strawberry workshop and field demonstration. The event highlighted strawberry production with various production systems at the Southwest Purdue Ag Center. Vincennes, IN. May 12, 2022. 

Other Educational Activities

Learning Outcomes

800 Farmers/Ranchers gained knowledge, skills and/or awareness
80 Agricultural service providers gained knowledge, skills and/or awareness
Key areas taught:
  • strawberry production
  • open field and high tunnel systems
  • soil and hydroponic production

Project Outcomes

3 Farmers/Ranchers changed or adopted a practice
Key practices changed:

  • Adapted high tunnel strawberry production

2 Grants applied for that built upon this project
2 Grants received that built upon this project
4 New working collaborations

Information Products

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Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.