Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience: Small farmers in North Carolina who grow or are interested in growing organic strawberries in field and high tunnels. The small farmers include minority farmers such as African American, Asian and Hispanic farmers, limited resource farmers, and socially and economically disadvantaged farmers.Science-based information was delivered to this audience through field days, workshops, newsletters, and grower conferences such as the Southeast Strawberry Expo., Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo., and the Southeast Regional Vegetable and Fruit Conference. Horticultural/Agricultural professionals including students from academic, extension, industry and growers associations. Information was delivered to them through professional society conference such as American Society for Horticulture Sciences (ASHS) and Southern Region ASHS, training, and peer reviewed publications. Changes/Problems:This research was partially impacted by unforeseen severe weather events in winter. The biggest challenge was to hire the research technician and graduate students timely. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two graduate students have worked with this project and successfully defended their thesis work in August 2018. They have increased their knowledge and production skills in organic strawberry production. Six undergraduate students did work-study in this project and received training in organic day-neutral strawberry production. The research technician funded by the project had been trained in managing the field and lab research assignments, and had developed skill and knowledge in high tunnel, organic agriculture and strawberry production. Information generated from this project, such as microclimate, plant growth, yield and fruit quality, has been included in six in-service trainings of extension agents. One specific in-service training on organic strawberry production with low and high tunnels was delivered in November 2018 (shortly after the conclusion of this project), which trained more than 25 extension agents in North Carolina. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through professional conferences (National Small Farms Conference, Southern Region -American Society for Horticultural Sciences, American Society for Horticultural Sciences) and grower based conferences (Southeast Strawberry Expo., Southeast Regional Vegetable and Fruit Expo., Sustainable Agriculture Conference of CFSA), field days, and workshops. Additionally, the North Carolina Strawberry Growers Association has invited the PI to present the research results. Many farmers as well general public who participated in the field days or visited the research sites benefited from seeing this research project at North Carolina A and T State University. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Project has ended. We continue to work on the economic analysis (one graduate student) using data collected from the project.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This study was aimed to study the effect of low tunnels, planting dates, and varieties on growth, yield, fruit quality, frost protection, and season extension potential of day-neutral strawberries. Two day-neutral cultivars Albion and San Andreas were planted in raised beds in low tunnels (LT) and without low tunnels (NLT) inside a high tunnel as well as in open field on NC A&T State University farm in Greensboro on September 1 (D1) & September 29 (D2) in the 2016/17 season and on September 9 (D1) & October 10 (D2) in the 2017/18 season. Microclimate: LT in the high tunnel as well as in open field significantly increased the growing degree days. Photosynthetically active radiation and solar radiation was not affected by low tunnels. The increased growing degree days indicate the potential earlier harvest and faster growth of day-neutral strawberries with low tunnels. Frost protection: LT significantly reduced flower damage in major frost events of January of both seasons compared to NLT (first season=11.23% Vs 40.71%, second season= 60.16% Vs 82.38%, respectively). LT typically had significantly lower fruit and flower damage to frosts in the high tunnel. For example, flower damage was 11.2% with low tunnels and 60.2% without low tunnels after a major freezing event on January 10, 2017. In the open field, the frost protection by low tunnels depended on the time of the year when frost/freeze hit the area. For example, earlier in the season (December 8, 2016), no difference was observed between the treatments on flower damage; but in early February, 42.8% flowers were damaged inside low tunnels versus 57.3% in the field. Plant growth, yield and fruit quality: LT did not significantly affect yield, growth pattern, and quality of the fruit. LT maintained higher yield during winter of both seasons with significant reduction in fruit damage promoting earlier harvest by one week than NLT. D1 and D2 in each season did not significantly affect the frost protection, growth, and fruit quality. In the first season, D1 increased whole season marketable yield of 'Albion' (430.26 g/plant) compared to 'San Andreas' (330.95 g/plant). During winter, 'Albion' had significantly higher yield than 'San Andreas' for both season. 'Albion' bloomed 13-17 days earlier and had harvest 16-19 days earlier than 'San Andreas'. It had bigger fruit size and weight than 'San Andreas'. 'Albion' also had higher TSS (up to 8.65%) than 'San Andreas' (up to 7.90%). Thus, 'Albion', LT, and planting date of September 1st (D1) inside high tunnel is recommended for earliness and quality on yield of strawberry in North Carolina. Economic analysis: while the detailed data analysis on economic return lagged behind the research. The estimated return ranges from $3.9 to $4.9 per square feet which would be greatly influenced by the out-of-season price of organic strawberries.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, Wenjing Guan and John E. Beck. 2017. Strawberry Cultivar Evaluation under High-tunnel and Organic Management in North Carolina. HortTechnology 27(1)78-83.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, Tekan Rana, John Beck and John Kimes. 2017. Production of Day-neutral Strawberry in Organically Managed High/Low Tunnels. HortScience 52(9) S332 (abstract).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Amy Ballard and Sanjun Gu. 2017. Production of Organically Managed June-bearing Strawberries in Low and High Tunnels. HortScience 52(9) S332 (abstract).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Curt Rom, Heather Friedrich, Carlene Chase, Bill Evans, Gina Fernandez, Sanjun Gu, Emily Hoover, Chieri Kubota, John Lea-Cox, Kim Lewers, Amanda McWhirt, Zola Moon, Peter J. Nitzsche, Quijun Qin, Mary Rogers, Jayesh Samtani, Marilyn E. Swisher, Fumiomi Takeda, Russell Wallace, Xin Zhao and Suping Zhou. 2017. Planning to Increase the Productivity and Competitiveness of Sustainable Strawberry Systems. HortScience 52(9) S441 (abstract).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Sanjun Gu. 2018. Sustainable Organic Strawberry (SOS) Cropping Systems for the Southeast. HortScience 53(9) (abstract, in press).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Tekan Rana, Amy Ballard, John Beck, John Kimes and Sanjun Gu. 2018. Low Tunnels Affect Fruit Quality of Organically Managed Strawberries in Field and High tunnels. HortScience 53(9) (abstract, in press).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Amy Ballard, Tekan Rana, John Beck, John Kimes and Sanjun Gu. 2018. Frost Protection of Low Tunnels to Organically Managed Strawberries in Field and High Tunnels. HortScience 53(9) (abstract, in press).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Tekan Rana , Sanjun Gu , John E. Beck , John Kimes and Amy Ballard. 2018. Low Tunnel and Planting Dates Affected Yield and Growth of Organically Managed, Field Grown Day-Neutral Strawberries. HortScience 53(9) (abstract, in press).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Amy Ballard , Sanjun Gu , John E. Beck , John Kimes and Tekan Rana. 2018. Low Tunnels Provided Frost Protection and Increased Yield of Organically Managed June-Bearing Strawberries in Field Production. HortScience 53(9) (abstract, in press).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Josh Mays and Sanjun Gu. 2018. Nitrogen Affects the Growth and Yield of Day-Neutral Strawberry Albion in Low Tunnels. HortScience 53(9) (abstract, in press).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Amy Ballard, Tekan Rana, John Beck, John Kimes and Sanjun Gu. 2018. Production Potential of Organically Managed June-Bearing Strawberry Varieties Grown Under High Tunnels and Low Tunnels. HortScience 53(9) (abstract, in press).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Tekan Rana , Sanjun Gu , John E. Beck , John Kimes and Amy Ballard. 2018. Yield and Growth of Organically Managed Day-Neutral Strawberries in Low Tunnels within a High Tunnel. HortScience 53(9) (abstract, in press).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sanjun Gu , John E. Beck and Jesoph. A. Moore. 2017. Characterizing High Tunnel Microclimate in Hardiness Zone 7 & 8 of North Carolina. Proceedings of the 7th National Small Farm Conference P29-34.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
John E. Beck. Moore. and Sanjun Gu. 2017. Soil Management Using Cover Crops in Organically Managed High Tunnels. Southern Cover Crops Conference Fact Sheet. https://www.southernsare.org/News-and-Media/SSARE-Bulletins/Cover-Crops-Research-Across-the-Southern-Region/Soil-Management-Using-Cover-Crops-in-Organically-Managed-High-Tunnels.
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences are: Small farmers in North Carolina who grow or are interested in growing organic strawberries in the field and high tunnels. The small farmers include minority farmers such as African American, Asian and Hispanic farmers, limited-resource farmers, and socially and economically disadvantaged farmers.Science-based information will be delivered to this audience through field days, workshops, newsletters, and grower conferences such as the Southeast Strawberry Expo, Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo and the Southeast Regional Vegetable and Fruit Conference. Horticultural/Agricultural professionals including students from academic, Extension, industry and growers' associations. Information will be primarily delivered to them through professional society conferences such as American Society for Horticulture Sciences (ASHS) and Southern Region ASHS, training, and peer reviewed publications. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students have been working on this project. They have increased their knowledge and production skills in organic strawberry production. Four undergraduate students undertook work-study assignments on this project and received training in organic day-neutral strawberry production. The research technician funded by the project has been completely trained in managing the field and lab research assignments, and had developed skill and knowledge in high tunnel, organic agriculture and strawberry production. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through professional and grower-based conferences, field days and workshops. Additionally, the North Carolina Strawberry Growers Association has invited the PI to present the research results at its annual conference. Many farmers as well the general public who participated the field days or visited the research sites were surprised to see this research project existing at A&T. [ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Major activities completed The first formal season of day-neutral strawberry trials were conducted from September 2016 to May 2017 in open-field and high-tunnel production systems. In each system, two protection treatments, low tunnel (w/LT) and control (w/o LT), were applied to two planting dates (D1, September 1; D2, September 30) with two day-neutral cultivars (Albion and San Andreas). Trials concluded in mid-May 2017. Data of the phenology, vegetative growth (biomass and vigor), frost damage, yield, fruit quality and pests (insects, spider-mites and diseases) were collected. Microclimate factors of temperature and humidity (air and soil), solar radiation and photothyetically active radiation, and leaf wetness were recorded in field, low tunnels and high tunnels at a 30-minute interval throughout the trial. Specific objectives met This project is moving toward completing the following specific objectives: Assess season extension, freeze protection, and yield improvement of organically grown, day-neutral strawberries in low-tunnel and high tunnel systems Assess fruit-quality enhancement of organic strawberries grown under the protected production systems Identify the microclimate characteristics in the protected systems Determine the microclimate conditions under high tunnels and low tunnels Evaluate economic feasibility of organically grown, day-neutral strawberries in the high-tunnel and low-tunnel systems Significant results Yield in the low/high tunnel system: the total yield and marketable yield was not significantly affected by the low-tunnel treatment. The total yield was 586.15 gram/plant in low tunnel and 600.44 gram/plant without low tunnels. The marketable yield accounted for 69.8% or 65.5% of the total yield with low tunnel or without low tunnels, respectively. Yield in the low/open field system: low tunnels did not increase the yield when compared to the control (without low tunnels). The yield was relatively low, 294.9 gram/plant with low tunnels, and 394.8 gram/plant without low tunnels. Frost protection of low tunnels in high tunnel: low tunnel had significantly low fruit and flower damage to frosts. For example, flower damage was 11.2% with low tunnels and 60.2% without low tunnels after a major freezing event on January 10, 2017. Frost protection of low tunnels in field: the frost protection by low tunnels depended on the time of the year when frost/freeze hit the area. For example, earlier in the season (December 8, 2016), no difference was observed between the treatments on flower damage. In early February, 42.8% flowers were damaged inside low tunnels versus 57.29% in the field. Microclimate: low tunnels in the high tunnel as well as in open field significantly increased the growing degree days; Photosynthetically active radiation and solar radiation was not affected by low tunnels. This result matched that of the previous season. Fruit quality: there were inconsistent results on whether low tunnels would enhance the fruit quality.It seemed to be dependent upon the time of the season. In February, low tunnel plants had firmer fruits, and in April they had significantly less firm fruits (854.5g force) than fruits produced without low tunnel (1011.8g force). Low tunnel generally had no significant effecton titratable acidity, single-fruit weight, and °Brix, although in mid-May, it had significantly bigger fruit size and higher single fruit weight. Growth and phenology: low tunnels produced significantly higher total biomass (580.9 g/plant) than that without low tunnel (525.7 g/plant). Low tunnels did not affect the first flowering date (50% bloom). Effect of planting dates: 'Albion' planted on either planting date (D1-September 1 or D2-September 30) had no significant difference on marketable yield and produced 429.5 g/plant on average. 'San Andreas' of D2 produced significantly higher marketable yield (414.6g/plant) compared to that of D1 (330.9 g/plant). D2 plants generally had larger single-fruit weight, which was significantly higher in April. They had significantly higher °Brix (9.3) than D1 plants (7.8) in February. Effect of cultivars: 'San Andreas' had significantly higher biomass, canopy size, and total yield (622.8 g/plant) than 'Albion.' 'Albion' had significantly higher runner numbers, fruit size, single fruit weight and acidity than that of 'San Andreas.' It also had significantly higher °Brix in mid-April to early-May. Both varieties reached highest canopy size in May. Economics: the 2016/17 season data did not strongly support the application of low tunnels in the organic strawberry production system in North Carolina. Key outcomes Results from the preliminary trial in 2015/16 season and the 1st formal trial 2016/17 season confirmed the expected benefits from low tunnels in terms of microclimate, however, the yield might be too low to compensate the added cost of including low tunnels in the production system. These results have been shared with farmers at the Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo, Delaware Ag. Expo, and N.C. A&T field days, and will be shared at the Southeast Strawberry Expo, CFSA Sustainable Agriculture conferences, and A&T AgriShop workshops. Farmers as well as Extension professionals have had a discussion on the topic. With the change in knowledge from the first two seasons, farmers are now more careful about using low tunnels in strawberry production. The results also suggested new trials on enhancing fall production by improving (boosting) fertility level in the fall. At least two farmers as well as the Sandhill Research Station have used 2x nitrogen in the fall day-neutral strawberry production with low tunnels. So far, the results are promising.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Gu, S., W. Guan and J. E. Beck. 2017. Strawberry Cultivar Evaluation under High-tunnel and Organic Management in North Carolina. HortTechnology 27(1)78-83.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Gu, S., J.E. Beck and J. A. Moore. 2016. Including Low Tunnels in a High Tunnel for Winter Strawberry Production in Cold Hardiness Zone Seven. HortScience 51(9): S245.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Gu, S., J. E. Beck and J. A. Moore. 2017. Characterizing High Tunnel Microclimate in Hardiness Zone 7 & 8 of North Carolina. Proceedings of the 7th National Small Farm Conference P29-34.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
"Gu S., J. E. Beck, J. A. Moore, and G. S. Moore. 2016. Performance of Sequentially Transplanted Bell Pepper in Organically Managed High Tunes in Hardiness Zone 7&8. HortScience 51(9): S27 (abstract).
"Gu S., J. E. Beck, and J. A. Moore. 2016. Season Extension of Bok Choy in Organically Managed High Tunnels in North Carolina. HortScience 51(9): S52 (abstract).
"Gu S. The Low-tech yet High Performance, Off-grid Chinese Greenhouse. HortScience 51(9): S75 (abstract).
"Gu S., J. E. Beck, J. A. Moore, and W. Guan. 2016. Sequential Transplanting of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers in Organically Managed High Tunnels in Hardiness Zone 7&8 of North Carolina. HortScience 51(9): S118 (abstract).
"Gu S., J. E. Beck, W. Guan, and J. A. Moore. 2016. Determining the Idea Transplanting Dates for Organic Tomato Production in High Tunnels in North Carolina. HortScience 51(9): S246 (abstract).
"Gu S., J. E. Beck, and J. A. Moore. 2016. Performance of Twelve Organic Bell Pepper Varieties in the Piedmont of North Carolina. HortScience 51(9): S300 (abstract).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Beck J. and Gu S. 2017. Soil Management Using Cover Crops in Organically Managed High Tunnels. Southern Cover Crops Conference Fact Sheet. https://www.southernsare.org/News-and-Media/SSARE-Bulletins/Cover-Crops-Research-Across-the-Southern-Region/Soil-Management-Using-Cover-Crops-in-Organically-Managed-High-Tunnels.
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences are: Small farmers in North Carolina who grow or are interested in growing organic strawberries in field and high tunnels. The small farmers include minority farmers such as African American, Asian and Hispanic farmers, limited resource farmers, and socially and economically disadvantaged farmers.Science-based information will be delivered to this audience through field days, workshops, newsletters, and grower conferences such as the Southeast Strawberry Expo., Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo., and the Southeast Regional Vegetable and Fruit Conference. Horticultural professionals including students from academic, extension, industry and growers associations. Information will be primarily delivered to them through professional society conference such as American Society for Horticulture Sciences (ASHS) and Southern Region ASHS, training, and peer reviewed publications. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One graduate student has been working on this project which has led to an increase in knowledge and production skills in organic strawberry production. One apprentice completed training in high tunnel management which includes the organic day-neutral strawberry production. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through professional and grower based conferences, field days, and workshops. A list of events is provided in "Other products" of this report. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The preliminary research finding will help growers decide the appropriate planting dates, freezing protection options, and marketing time and durations for day-neutral strawberries in winter and spring. Growers will expect to increase yield and improve fruit quality, thus make more profit by using low tunnels in open field and high tunnels to further extend the harvesting and marketing seasons of organic, locally grown strawberries. The 2015/16 season has completed. Data have been analyzed for all objectives in microclimate, production, fruit quality, and the economics. Results indicated that: Low tunnels in the high tunnel as well as in open field significantly increased the strawberry growing degree days so the first harvest was advanced by about a week. This, however, does not translate to the overall yield increase. Photosynthetically Active Radiation was not affected by low tunnels. Freezing damage was not prevented or extenuated by low tunnels. Fruit analyses suggested the improved fruit quality under the low tunnel environment. Preliminary economic analyses did not support low tunnel application in the field setting. The 2016/17 season has started as planned in September with two planting dates for cultivar Albion and San Andreas.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, Wenjing Guan, and John E. Beck. 2017. Strawberry Cultivar Evaluation under High-tunnel and Organic Management in North Carolina. HortTechnology 27(1)1-9 (in press).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, John E. Beck and Joseph A. Moore. 2016. Including Low Tunnels in a High Tunnel for Winter Strawberry Production in Cold Hardiness Zone Seven. HortScience 51(9): S245 (abstract)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, John E. Beck, Joseph A. Moore, and Gena S. Moore. 2016. Performance of Sequentially Transplanted Bell Pepper in Organically Managed High Tunes in Hardiness Zone 7&8. HortScience 51(9): S27 (abstract).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, John E. Beck, Joseph A. Moore, Wenjing Guan, and Gena S. Moore. 2016. Season Extension of Bok Choy in Organically Managed High Tunnels in North Carolina. HortScience 51(9): S52 (abstract).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu. The Low-tech yet High Performance, Off-grid Chinese Greenhouse. HortScience 51(9): S75 (abstract).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, John E. Beck, Joseph A. Moore, and Wenjing Guan. 2016. Sequential Transplanting of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers in Organically Managed High Tunes in Hardiness Zone 7&8 of North Carolina. HortScience 51(9): S118 (abstract).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, John E. Beck, Wenjing Guan, and Joseph A. Moore. 2016. Determining the Idea Transplanting Dates for Organic Tomato Production in High Tunnels in North Carolina. HortScience 51(9): S246 (abstract).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu, John E. Beck and Joseph A. Moore. 2016. Performance of Tweleve Organic Bell Pepper Varieties in the Piedmont of North Carolina. HortScience 51(9): S300 (abstract).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu and John E. Beck. 2016. Organic Strawberries in High Tunnels: Cultivar Selection and Economics. Program of the 7th National Small Farm Conference p.56. (abstract).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu and John E. Beck. 2016. Characterizing High Tunnel Microclimate in Hardiness Zone 7&8 of North Carolina. Program of the 7th National Small Farm Conference p.12-13. (abstract).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Sanjun Gu and John E. Beck. 2016. Extension Horticulture at North Carolina A&T State University Focuses on Small Farm Sustainability. Program of the 7th National Small Farm Conference p.56. (abstract).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Sanjun Gu and John E. Beck. 2017. From University to Community: Providing Fresh Produce to Food Insecure Urban Communities in Greensboro, North Carolina. Proceedings of the 2016 Urban Food Systems Symposium. (in press).
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