Low Tunnels as a Strawberry Breeding Tool and Season-Extending Production System

Strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier) are economically valuable and popular with consumers who want to buy them all year round. However, a typical harvest season in most U.S. states is limited to only 3 to 4 weeks. Repeat-fruiting cultivars grown in these states could help meet that demand, especially if bred to be adapted to those states. To develop new repeat-fruiting cultivars that meet modern standards when grown in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and similar regions, a production system utilizing low tunnels over raised white-plastic-covered beds was developed as a breeding tool to enable meaningful selection. The system also showed promise as a commercial production system. Fruit production using repeat-fruiting strawberries was compared with and without low tunnels. Season length was extended to 9 months. Total yield and marketable yield under low tunnels was 188% greater and 313% greater, respectively, compared with open beds. With no fumigation or fungicides, losses to fruit rots under low tunnels was 12% less than in open beds. The cost of materials to construct low tunnels was determined to be recoverable from the increased yield. Management strategies and applications of the findings from this study towards breeding repeat-fruiting strawberry cultivars are discussed.