POTENTIAL OF DAY NEUTRAL STRAWBERRIES (DNS) USING NANOTECHNOLOGY ON THE DELMARVA PENINSULA.

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: EVANS-ALLEN
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1015720
• Project Start Date: Mar 2, 2018
• Project End Date: Feb 28, 2021
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Project Director
Naveen Kumar, FN, .

Recipient Organization
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
11868 College Backborne Road
Princess Anne,MD 21853

Performing Department
Agriculture

Non Technical Summary
Historically the tri-county (Somerset, Worcester, and Wicomico) area was the hub for strawberry production on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. However, the current production is zero in Somerset and negligible in Worcester, and Wicomico counties. However, in Virginia strawberry acreage is relatively higher (263 acres), but production is seasonal and restricted to the summer season. The cultivation of June-bearing strawberries is the major source of farm income during the spring season and thereafter most of the produce is imported. We are proposing a holistic approach to extend the strawberry season beyond spring to sustain local farm income using day-neutral strawberries (DNS) on the Delmarva Peninsula. We will evaluate the potential of several DNS cultivars in terms of growth and development, and yield in the field and low tunnel conditions. This work will also help in the identification and later on forecast of various DNS diseases endemic on the Eastern Shore and Virginia. We will introduce nanotechnology for the sustainable management of fungal and insect borne diseases in DNS. Zinc and sulfur are abundantly found in the earth's crust and both are an integral part of tri-County soils. Our approach will provide new avenues for the cultivation of organic strawberries.

Animal Health Component

40%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

40%

Applied

40%

Developmental

20%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
205	1122	1060	100%

Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1122 - Strawberry;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);

Keywords

day neutral strawberry

nanotechnology

Goals / Objectives
Strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier) are the important fruit crop in America and contributed $2.5 billion to the US economy in 2012 (Curt et al., 2015). In addition, strawberry is the top most fruit crop in the mid-Atlantic and valued $250 to $500/hundredweight in 2015 (Swett, 2016). Earlier (1919) USDA-NASS Census of Agriculture showed the existence of 5,260 strawberry farms and 7,000 acreage with strawberry cultivation in Maryland (MD), which is now restricted to 187 farms and 220 acres (USDA-NASS, 2012). These data show a decline in strawberry acreage by 97% within a century. There are only 24 small strawberry farms grown on only 26 acres in the Wicomico and Worcester Counties (USDA-NASS, 2012). Moreover, the renowned strawberry industry of the Somerset County, which was locally boasted as a 'Strawberry Capital of the World is almost extinct on the Eastern Shore of MD (Coulbourne, 2014).The strawberry industry is chiefly dominated by June-bearer, short day cultivars (Rowley et al., 2011), which restrict the peak production to spring or early summer seasons in the mid-Atlantic (Ballington et al., 2008). In spite of growing demand for local produce and higher economic potential of the strawberries no work has been done on the production potential of the DNS on the Delmarva Peninsula. There is no comprehensive study what is the business as of late & site dating evaluating the potential of multiple day DNS in open bed and low tunnel regimes to accelerate the local production and extend the season beyond early spring and summer. However, some work showed the screening of only 7 or 8 cultivars either on open bed, or using tunnel regimes in MD (Lantz et al., 2010; UME, 2015; Lewers et al., 2017). These areas (Queen Anne's County, Prince George's County, and Garrett County) of strawberry experimentation and variety trials are distant (80 to 300 miles) from the Tri-county area that probably hindered the extension outreach to small growers of our area. Strawberry research and extension has enormous potential and opportunity in the Tri-county area to promote local strawberry production with the leadership of UMES.According to Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), in 2013, 263 cultivated acres of strawberries was grown by 83 farms. In Virginia Beach alone the value of strawberries to the local economy is estimated to be $1,000,000 (Flanagan et al., 2013). The acreage in Virginia is predominantly you pick, where the consumer comes directly to the farm and harvests the berries themselves. Growers in Virginia currently grow three main cultivars; Chandler, Camarosa, and Sweet Charlie, these three varieties were bred for the commercial pre pick and shipping markets, but have adapted well to you pick/ direct to consumer markets that we use them in today. Currently, no grower in Virginia is using DNS cultivars. The majority of the strawberry acreage grown in Virginia is done so using the annual plasticulture production system, where the plants are planted in the fall for harvest in the spring. There is an urgent need to extend the growing season of strawberries to enhance farm income, promote local produce, reduce carbon foot print, and concomitantly rejuvenate the lost strawberry legacy on the Eastern Shore to boost agro-tourism and encourage agricultural economy. These outcomes will be achieved by the evaluation of production potential of the DNS cultivation on the Delmarva Peninsula. Strawberry crop is susceptible to multiple fungal and insect pest diseases (Lantz et al., 2010). Nanotechnology based eco-friendly strategies will be used to combat multiple diseases in DNS cultivars. Our recent work on the use of nano-zinc-oxide (NZO; 30-45 nm) and nano-sulfur (NS; 30 nm) on Soybean looper and Beet army worm in vitro showed 100% mortality of first, second, and third instar larvae within 24 hr of application. Nanoparticles (NP) have a high surface to volume ratio, which imparts high reactivity and biochemical activity against insects and pests (Fraceto et al., 2016). NZO concentrations greater than 3 mM effectively inhibited the growth of postharvest fungus B. cinerea and P. expansum in vitro (He et al., 2011). Electron microscopic studies reveled that NZO induced deformation in fungal hyphae of B. cinerea and inhibition of conidiophore formation in P. expansum, which finally led to death of fungal hyphae. These novel and innovative approaches will be used for the management of strawberry diseases prevalent in the Tri-county area and Virginia.OBJECTIVESThere are three specific objectives being addressed in this project.Objective 1 Evaluation of growth and development of the DNS cultivars in both field and low tunnel regimes.Objective 2 Effect of nano-sulfur (NS) and nano-zinc-oxide (NZO) on fungal diseases.Objective3 Demonstration of successful extension of strawberry season using the DNS cultivars in the field and low tunnel conditions.

Project Methods
OBJECTIVESThere are three specific objectives being addressed in this project.Objective 1 Evaluation of growth and development of the DNS cultivars in both field and low tunnel regimes.Objective 2 Effect of nano-sulfur (NS) and nano-zinc-oxide (NZO) on fungal diseases.Objective3 Demonstration of successful extension of strawberry season using the DNS cultivars in the field and low tunnel conditions.RESEARCH PLANObjective 1:Evaluation of growth and development of the DNS cultivars in field and low tunnel regimes. Plant material. The following DNS cultivars (Albion, Aromas, Evie-2, Fort Laramie, Mara Des Bois, Monterey, Portola, Quinault, San Andreas, Seascape, Sweet Ann-LCN, Tribute, Tristar, and Varity-DN) will be planted in early spring (first week of April) using standard strawberry plasticulture system (Rowley et al., 2016) in field and low tunnels (LT) regimes at UMES and VSU.Raised beds. The raised beds will be 0.2 m high, 22.8 m long and 0.6 m wide with 1.2 m spacing between the centers of beds. Beds will be covered by the white plastic mulch (1.25 mil) with drip irrigation. The experiment will be conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates of 40 bare root strawberry plants of each variety. Plants will be maintained in staggered double rows with spacing of 0.30 m between plant to plant and row to row.LT experiment. We will install LT (0.91m W X 7.3 m H X 29.2 m L) in N-S direction. LT will be covered with 4-mil thick greenhouse-grade polyethylene film respectively (Lewers et al., 2017). The experiment will be conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates of 40 bare root strawberry plants of each variety.Irrigation and Fertigation. Beds will be irrigated using a drip irrigation system installed under the plastic mulch. The drip line will deliver 1.29 L.h-1 (T-Tape; Drip works, Willits, CA, USA). Irrigation scheduling will be based on the measurements of soil moisture and scheduled once the moisture level reaches to -30 centi bars (Ballington et al., 2008). Before bedding, soil will be fertilized with 60 lb of N/acre (Lantz et al., 2010). The soil at UMES has optimum levels of phosphorus (178 ppm; Mehlich-3) and potassium (154 ppm). Two weeks after planting, plants will be fertigated alternatively with CaNO3 (9-0-0-11) and KNO3 (13-0-44). Once crop demonstrates heavy bloom liquid fertilizer will be fed through the drip line at rate of 5 lb N/acre/week.Frost Protection: Before the first frost in October/November, open beds will be covered with row covers and overhead irrigation will be applied inside LT when temperature < 2 °C (Stevens et al., 2006).Growth parameters. The central 10 plants will be used for the estimation of fruit yield/plant. Growth indices (number of leaves, number of crowns, number of runners, plant height, number of flowers, and fruit size) will be recorded monthly; Kadir et al., 2006). The means per plant will be determined and subjected to analysis of variance (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and separated using a protected least significant difference (LSD) at P < 0.05. The standard error (SE) of the mean will also be calculated. Before the first frost in October/November 2018, beds will be covered with row covers and the plants allowed to continue to grow in field conditions.Objective 2Effect of NS and NZO on fungal diseases. Our preliminary work at UMES showed adverse effects of NS and NZO on larval population of soybean looper and beet armyworm. We are also expecting the adverse effects NP on common strawberry fungal diseases. Isolates of B. cinerea and P. aphanis will be isolated from infected strawberry fruits and maintained on potato dextrose agar (El-Ghaouth et al., 1998). A spore suspension will be prepared from 2 week old cultures. A suspension containing 106 conidia per ml will be sprayed on five potted (17.8 cm H X 12.7W) strawberry plants from each variety, initially primed with 0, 3, 5, and 10 mM concentrations of NS, and NZO (He et al., 2011). The inoculated plants will be kept in greenhouse for 2 weeks for the development of colonies. Colony count will be used to measure the rate of infection (Menzies et al., 1992).Objective 3Demonstration of the successful extension of strawberry season using DNS cultivars in the field and low tunnel conditions. Strawberry Field Days. There will be two strawberry field days in 2018-2019 to demonstrate successful outcomes of DNS cultivation in field and high tunnels.Website and media. Information generated though this project will be disseminated though popular media sources such as bulletins/pictures/videos/face-book page will be created for the easy access of information. Data will also be presented in the form of poster at various academic and trade meetings.Fact Sheets. Detailed fact sheets of research outcomes will be published through the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension.

Progress 03/02/18 to 02/28/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Small farmers, vetrarn farmers, women farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and backyard growers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? I:: Online Strawberry Cultivation Workshop: Season extension using low tunnels and June bearers and day neutral varieties. (5/8/2021). UMES, Princess Anne, MD (Number of participants 29). II:2020 Eastern Shore Vegetable Growers Meeting: Strawberry and nanotechnology (2/11/2020). Cambridge, MD. (Number of participants: 55) III: Mid-Atlantic Vegetable and Small Fruit Workers Meeting: Day neutral strawberry production using low tunnels (11/6/2019). Newark, Delaware (Number of participants: 21). IV: Second-SARE-Apple workshop at VSU: Let's grow apples and strawberries together (9/27/2019). St. Petersburg, VA (Number of participants: 22). V: Late Planting of Day Neutral Strawberries using Low Tunnel and Open Bed Regimes. (2/22/2019), Bay Area Fruit School, Wye Research Education Center, Queenstown, MD. (Number of participants: 55). VI: Potential of day neutral strawberries using nanotechnology on the Delmarva Peninsula. Delmarva Cooperative Seed Grant Program Summit (3/7/2019), University of Delaware, Newark, DE. (Presenter). (25 participants). VII: Fourth-SARE-APPLE Workshop: Apple/strawberry/pumpkin production (09/29/2018), University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD (Number of participants: 20). VIII: Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Visit (Virginia State University): Apple and day neutral strawberry farm demonstration (8/8/2018), University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD (Number of participants: 20). IX: Somerset Strawberry Festival: Demonstration of potted day neutral strawberries (5/12/2018), Marion Station, MD (Number of participants: 75). X: Two undergraduate students learned multiple techniques such as culturing of microorganisms, media preparation, use of sonicator and UV-hood, and safe handling of nanoparticles How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Resultswere disseminatedthroughmultipleextensionactivities. 1:Dixit, N.K. Late planting of day neutral strawberries using low tunnels, 2020 ASHS meeting (Aug. 9-Aug. 13), Virtual Platform.(Participants: 15). 2:Dixit, N.K.2020. Nanotechnology in Horticulture. International Plant Physiology Virtual Conference. 6/12/2020-7/12/2020. Prospects of Plant Physiology for Climate proofing Agriculture. (Participants: 110). 3:Dixit, N.K. Nanotechnology and Plant Pathogens. NorthEastern Plant, Pests and Soils Conference. (1/4/2021-1/7/2021), Chatsworth, NJ (Presenter). (75participants). 4:Dixit, N.K. 2022. Role of Nanotechnology in Biotic Stress Management. International Conference on Recent Trends in Smart and Sustainable Agriculture for Food Security, (1/21/2022-1/22/20222). Lovely Professional University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. (Participants: 103). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1Evaluation of growth and development of the DNS cultivars in both field and low tunnel regimes. The following day neutral strawberry (DNS) cultivars (Albion, Redstart, Mara Des Bois, Portola, Seascape, Tribute, and Tristar) were planted during 2018-2020 using standard strawberry plasticulture system in field/open bed and low tunnels (LT) regimes at UMES. Low tunnel cultivation of DNS (Redstart, Albion, Mara Des Bois, and Portola) showed improved yield and protection from leaf spot. Portola is the only variety, which showed the highest yield among all the tested cultivars under late planting conditions. Similarly, yield (35-37%) of Portola was improved using LT in comparison to open bed regimes. Other cultivars (Redstart, Albion, Mara Des Bois, and Seascape) had non-marketable yield. Portola and Seascape were highly susceptible to leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae) disease. However, use of LT reduced the fungal infection by 60-65%. Leaf spot caused mortality of Portola and Seascape plants in open bed regimes. Redstart and Albion showed resistance against leaf spot throughout the season, but did not yield marketable fruits. Varietal differences were observed for number of leaves, plant height, and leaf area. Portola showed less number of leaves in comparison to other varieties, but had more total yield and economic yield. Our data showed Portola partitioned more biomass toward reproductive growth in comparison vegetative growth as observed in other cultivars. Based on our data, we recommend the use of Portola under late planting conditions. Redstart and Albion showed natural resistance against leaf spot and can be used under normal planting dates in leaf spot dominated areas with the minimal use of fungicides. Objective 2Effect of nano-sulfur (NS) and nano-zinc-oxide (NZO) on fungal diseases. Three independent experiments were conducted to standardize the concentrationsof nano-zinc-oxide (NZO) and Nano-sulfur (NS) to inhibit the growth of gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae)in vitro. We used 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mM NZO and NS concentrationsin vitroto select the concentrationwith 100%fungal inhibition.Potted strawberry plants atthe 9-leaf stage were sprayed with 25 mM NZO. These plants were later (one day after NZO priming) sprayed with leaf spot inoculum (conidia:106/ml) to observe theinfection rate. Similarly, freshly harvested strawberries (Portola) were treated with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mM NZO for 15 minutes and then stored at4°C for postharvest evaluations. NZO (25 mM) treated strawberry fruits were also treated with gray mold inoculum(conidia:106/ml) to observethe antifungal effect of NZO.NZO at 25 mM concentration completely suppressed the germination of conidia and hyphal growth in gray mold, but only hyphal growth in leaf spot. In addition, NZO concentrations at 5 mM and above also inhibitedthe formation of spores in gray mold. NS concentrations caused the formation of unstable media and therefore, were not tested for further experimentation. We did not observethe inhibitory effects of common zinc-oxide on both the fungi. Postharvest treatments with NZO showed an increasein the storage life of strawberry fruits. The maximum increasein storage life was observed at 25mM concentration. This increase was 5 days more in comparisonto gray mold treated strawberry fruits. Similarly, NZO at 25 mM concentrationcaused 80% reduction in leaf spot infection using greenhouse conditions. We suspect that NZO treatment caused adverse effects on fungal growth throughmultiple mechanisms including, charge disturbance across plasma membrane, production of reactiveoxygen species, and chelation of essentialnutrients. We proposed that NZO could be used to manage the foliar and postharvest diseases instrawberry cultivation. However, ecotoxicologicalstudies are required to confirm the safe use of NZO for plant pathogen management. Objective3Demonstration of successful extension of strawberry season using the DNS cultivars in the field and low tunnel conditions. Season extension in strawberry crop on the Eastern shore of MD is facilitated by the development of cost-effective low tunnel technology. Low tunnels were developed from locally available material such as plastic pipes, twine, t-post, and duct tapes with an average life span of 5-year. This technology extends the season and protects strawberry crops from multiple pathogens and frequent rain episodes on the Delmarva Peninsula. A critically important impact of this work involves selection of high yielding day neutral varieties (DNS), which produce fruit from March to November for a period of 9-months. Growers reported high yield using recommended day neutral variety (Portola) in low tunnels regimes (MacMahon Farm, VA). This program, so far (2018-2021) organized more than 7 hands-on training workshops in the states of MD, DE, and VA. So far, more than 1000 people got information on the cultivation of DNS. This program is showing promising response from local growers and plant sellers. Berlin Organic Farm (Worcester County), Assateague Farm & Nursery (Worcester County), and Butler Farm (Somerset County) in Crisfield initiated the planting of DNS. MacMahon Farm in Virginia started the construction of low tunnels for cultivation of DNS. Local homeowners inquired about the addresses of nurseries to purchase the bare root strawberry plants. Growers suggested to conduct new experiments to promote pollination in DNS during the fall season. This program generated mass awareness for the cultivation of DNS on the Delmarva Peninsula though statewide Ag. Newspapers and local TV. Recently, a local woman farmer submitted a SARE-Farmer grant application on the cultivation of DNS after attending a workshop at UMES. Growers showed interest in nanotechnology, but toxicity studies are required to replicate the successful laboratory experiments in the field. One graduate student showed interest on use of nanotechnology in postharvest management of strawberry.

Publications

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Small farmers, veteran farmers, women farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and backyard growers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1: Two undergraduate students learned multiple techniques such as culturing of microorganisms, media preparation, use of sonicator and UV-hood, and safe handling of nanoparticles. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Resultswere disseminatedthroughmultipleextensionactivities. 1:SARE Workshop for Veterans: Temperate fruit cultivation. 7/28/2020. (Participants: 6) 2:Dixit, N.K. Late planting of day neutral strawberries using low tunnels, 2020 ASHS meeting (Aug. 9-Aug. 13), Virtual Platform.(Participants: 15) 3:Dixit, N.K.2020. Nanotechnology in Horticulture. International Plant Physiology Virtual Conference. 6/12/2020-7/12/2020. Prospects of Plant Physiology for Climate proofing Agriculture. (Participants: 110) 4:Dixit, N.K. Nanotechnology and Plant Pathogens. NorthEastern Plant, Pests and Soils Conference. (1/4/2021-1/7/2021), Chatsworth, NJ (Presenter). (75participants) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 2Effect of nano-sulfur (NS) and nano-zinc-oxide (NZO) on fungal diseases. Three independent experiments were conducted to standardize the concentrationsof nano-zinc-oxide (NZO) and Nano-sulfur (NS) to inhibit the growth of gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae)in vitro. We used 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mM NZO and NS concentrationsin vitroto select the concentrationwith 100%fungal inhibition.Potted strawberry plants at9-leaf stage were sprayed with 25 mM NZO. These plants were later (one day after NZO priming) sprayed with leaf spot inoculum (conidia:106/ml) to observe theinfection rate. Similarly, freshly harvested strawberries (Portola) were treated with5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mM NZO for 15 minutes and then stored at4°C for postharvest evaluations. NZO (25 mM) treated strawberry fruits were also treated with gray mold inoculum(conidia:106/ml) to observeits antifungal effects. NZO at 25 mM concentration completely suppressed the germination of conidia and hyphal growth in gray mold, but only hyphal growth in leaf spot. In addition, NZO concentrations also inhibitedthe formation of spores in gray mold at 5 mM and higher concentrations. NS concentrations caused the formation of unstable media and therefore, was not tested for the further experimentation. We did not observethe inhibitory effects of common zinc-oxide on both the fungi. Postharvest treatments with NZO showed an increasein the storage life of strawberry fruits. The maximum increasein storage life was observed at 25mM concentration. This increase was 5 days more in comparisonto gray mold treated strawberry fruits. Similarly,NZO at 25 mM concentrationcaused 80% reduction in leaf spot infection under greenhouse conditions. We suspect that NZO treatment caused adverse effects on fungal growth throughmultiple mechanisms including, charge disturbance across plasma membrane, production of reactiveoxygen species, and chelation of essentialnutrients. We proposed that NZO can be used to manage the foliar and postharvest diseases instrawberry cultivation. However, eco-toxicologicalstudies are required to confirm the safe use of NZO for plant pathogen management.

Publications

Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:The project reaches to growers,faculty, agriculture service providers, homeowners, begining farmers. women farmers, veterans farmers, and socially disadvataged farmers. Changes/Problems:We replaced model organism B. cinerea and P. aphanis byLeaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae) for nanoparticle testing. Starwberry leaf spot is prevalent on the Delmarva Peninsula and showed resistance against fungicides. Nanoparticle management of leaf spot will be advantageous both economically and ecologically. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1. Delaware Ag. Week: Late planting of day neutral strawberries: Use of low tunnels, nanotechnology, Pollinator Crop, and Live Deer Fence (1/13/2020), Delaware (Number of participants: 25) 2. Mid-Atlantic Vegetable and Small Fruit Workers Meeting: Day Neutral Strawberry Production using low tunnels (11/6/2019). Newark, Delaware (Number of participants: 21). 3. 2nd SARE-Apple and Strawberry workshop at VSU: Let Grow Apple Together (9/27/2019). St. Petersburg, VA (Number of participants: 22). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?1. 2020 Eastern Shore Vegetable Growers Meeting: Strawberry and Nanotechnology (2/11/20120). Cambridge, MD. (Number of participants: 45). 2. IInd Temperate and Small Fruit Cultivation Workshop for Veterans: Cultivation of Temperate Fruits (08/29/2019), Therapeutic Alternatives of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. (Number of participants: 7) 3. MD Agricultural Educators Professional Development Conference: Fruit Cultivation Workshop (7/9/2019). University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD (Number of participants: 08). 4. Ist Temperate and Small Fruit Cultivation Workshop for Veterans: Cultivation of Temperate Fruits (05/10/2019), Therapeutic Alternatives of Maryland, Baltimore, MD. (Number of participants: 7) What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Two objectives (1 and 3) are completed within the given time line. However, third objective 'Effect of nano-sulfur (NS) and nano-zinc-oxide (NZO) on fungal diseases' is remaining to be completed. The main constraints are isolation of fungus from infected plant parts and induction of sporulation in vitro to prepare inoculum for nano-particle testing. We are standardizing the media strength and light requirements for the induction of spores in Mycosphaerella fragariae, which is the causal agent of leaf spot in strawberry. We are able to standardize the media strength, but more time is required to optimize the dose of nanoparticles for the leaf spot management in strawberry. We requested no cost extension for 1-year period to complete this work.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The following DNS cultivars (Albion, Redstart, Mara Des Bois, Portola, Seascape, Tribute, and Tristar) were planted on 7/10/2019 using standard strawberry plasticulture system in field/open bed and low tunnels (LT) regimes at UMES. Our data showed similar results as observed during the 2018-2019 season. Portola is the only variety, which showed the highest yield among all the tested cultivars under late planting conditions. Similarly, yield (35-37%) of Portola was improved using low tunnels in comparison to open bed regimes. Other cultivars had non-marketable yield. Portola and Seascape were highly susceptible to leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae) disease. However, use of low tunnels reduced the fungal infection by 60-65%. Leaf spot caused mortality of Portola and Seascape plants in open bed regimes. Redstart and Albion showed resistance against leaf spot throughout the season, but did not yield marketable fruits. Varietal difference were observed for number of leaves, plant height, and leaf area. Portola showed less number of leaves in comparison to other varieties, but had more total yield and economic yield. Our data showed Portola partitioned more biomass toward reproductive growth in comparison vegetative growth as observed in other cultivars.

Publications

Progress 03/02/18 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:This project reaches to growers, farmers, faculty, homeowners, and students. Changes/Problems:I: Inclement weather delayed the starwberry planting in the 2018. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A: 2019 Bay Area Fruit School: Late planting of day neutral starwberries using low tunneland open bed regimes (02/22/2019), Wye Research and Education Center, University of Maryland (Number of attendees: 60). This workshop trained multiple county extension agents and faculty memebers about the construction of inexpensive low tunnles and selection of day neutral cultivars suitable for the eastern shore of MD. B: Fourth SARE-APPLE Workshop: Strawberry production (09/29/2018), University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD (Number of attendees: 20). This workshop trained county nutrientmanagmnet advisor about fertilizer uses in starwberry cultivation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A: 2019 Bay Area Fruit School:Late planting of day neutral starwberries using low tunnle and open bed regimes(02/22/2019), Wye Research and Education Center, University of Maryland (Number of attendees: 60). This workshop trained multiplecounty extension agents, groweresand faculty memebers about the construction of inexpensive low tunnles and selection ofday neutral cultivars suitable for lower shore. B: Fourth SARE-APPLE Workshop:Strawberryproduction (09/29/2018), University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD (Number of attendees: 20). This workshop trained county nutirent managmnet advisor about fertilizer uses in starwberry cultivation. C:Virginia State University Small Farm Visitors: Apple and day neutral strawberry farm demonstration (8/8/2018), University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD (Number of attendees: 20). D: Somerset Strawberry Festival (5/12/2018), Marion Station, MD (Number of attendees: 75) Media: 1. Lancaster Farming (Newspaper): Low tunnels could lead to fresh November strawberries; November 9, 2018. https://www.lancasterfarming.com/news/southern_edition/low-tunnels-could-lead-to-fresh-november-strawberries/article_855b21c4-9676-5f8e-9dfe-74e04f90f41b.html 2. The Delmarva Farmer (Newspaper): Late planting producing promising early results; October 19, 2018. https://americanfarmpublications.com/late-planting-producing-promising-early-results/ 3. 47ABC (Television): UMES horticulture expert creates experiments to help farmers across the shore. October 3, 2018. https://www.wmdt.com/2018/10/umes-horticulture-expert-creates-experiments-to-help-farmers-across-the-shore/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I: 11 day neutral cultivars will be screened using low tunnles and open bed regimes. II: Nanoparticles will be used to control leaf spot disease in day neutral cultivars. III: Data will be presented in profesisonal and local meetings.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? •Low tunnel cultivation of day neutral starwberries (DNS; Redstart, Albion, Mara Des Bois, and Portola )showed improved yield and protection from leaf spot. •Redstart, Albion, & Mara Des Bois showed poor performance in open bed(OB) and low tunnel(LT) regimes •Portola showed improved performance in LT and OB, but was highly susceptible to leaf spot.

Publications