Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:USDA-ARS Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center (OHCEAC) annual conference, Columbus, OH; July 17, 2024; 0.5 contact hours x 100 contacts (in-person and virtual); audience: growers, industry, students, and academics; product: presentation NC State Raleigh, NC; October 17-18, 2023; 8 hours; around 80 (both industry and academia) 2nd Annual PIP-CAP Meeting - two presentations (Samson Humphrey and Moein Moosavi) + personal meetings and communications Raleigh, NC; October 18, 2023; 1 hour; around 20 (both industry and academia) Tour of the Phytotron facility and PIP systems for strawberry Charlotte, NC; November 8, 2023; 4 hours; around 70 (academia, industry, and growers) Southeastern Strawberry Expo; two oral presentations by Sam Humphrey and Moein Moosavi) Des Moines, Iowa; March 23-26, 2024; 20 hours; around 150 (both industry and academia) NCERA 101 meeting - two presentations (Samson Humphrey and Moein Moosavi) + personal meetings and communications + two research posters (Samson Humphrey and Moein Moosavi) Raleigh, NC; December 11, 2024; 1 hour; around 30 (students and faculty) Moein Moosavi PhD introductory seminar; Presentation and discussion of the topic Raleigh, NC; July 22, 2024; 1 hour; around 30 (students and faculty) Sam Humphrey M.Sc. defense seminar; Presentation and discussion of the topic Central Crops Research Station, Clayton, NC; May 1, 2024; 4 hour; around 50 (students, faculty, growers, and industry) Strawberry Field Day; Presentation by Moein Moosavi Raleigh, NC; February 15, 2024; 1 hour; around 25 students Small fruit production class (Instructor: Hudson Ashrafi; Lecture by Sam Humphrey) Raleigh, NC; March 4, 2024; 1 hour; around 25 students Small fruit production class (Instructor: Hudson Ashrafi; Lecture by Moein Moosavi) Aug 11, 2023: Growers; Strawberry Pre-Plant Meeting, Wilkes Co NC., 3 hrs, 25 people. Aug 17, 2023: Growers; Strawberry Pre-Plant Meeting, Nash Co NC., 3 hrs, 70 people. Oct 17-18, 2023: Scientists and Growers; PIP-CAP annual conference, Raleigh, NC. 48 hrs, 30 people. Nov 8-10, 2023: Growers; Southeastern Strawberry Expo, Charlotte, NC. 72 hrs, 250 people. Nov 30, 2023: Industry; Visit of new indoor strawberry propagation facility; Hendersonville, NC. 3 hrs. 2 people. Mar 1, 2024: Industry; PIP-CAP Advisory Board Meeting; Virtual. 1 ½ hrs, 20 people. May 1, 2024: Growers, Extension, Scientists & Industry; Strawberry Field Day, Clayton, NC. 4 hrs, 65 people. July 17, 2024: Industry; Advise to Ohala Genetics, Hendersonville, NC. 3 hrs. 8 people. Our main audience this year was academic, with two major points of contact: PIP-CAP annual meeting. Raleigh, North Carolina. Day-long meeting. Eight contact hours. 24 attendees. Presentation at the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association annual meeting in New Orleans. 10 minute presentation as part of a larger session on Controlled Environment Agriculture to an audience of 25 academics and government researchers. Virginia Tech We created a flier for this study which discussed the approach and findings of the study. The flier was distributed during the berry field day at Hampton Roads Ag. Research and Extension Center on June 4. The field day was attended by 34 people. Target audience included scientists, faculty, ag. agents, government representatives, growers and master gardeners. Cornell University New York State Berry Growers Association. Presented update to board of directors November 12, 2024. Presented the results from the 2023 field trial conducted at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. The field trial results compared 3 varieties propagated in CEA conditions vs. commercially available bare-root plants. Rutgers University Feb 7, 2024 Recent Advances in Strawberry Nursery Production. NJ Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. Contact hours:0.5 Participants 40 Activity: Presentation (Growers, Industry, Extension) Hershey, PA; January 30, 2024; 30 minutes; 100 fruit growers; presentation "Understanding Runner Formation and Management". Atlantic City, NJ; February 7, 2024; 30 minutes; 50 fruit and vegetable growers; presentation "Recent Advances In Strawberry Nursery Production". Columbia, SC; February 8, 2024; 1 hour; 45 fruit growers; presentation "Alternative Small Fruit Production Strategies". Cream Ridge, NJ; July 2, 2024; 10 minutes; 35 members of the Board of Managers for Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and guests; tour of research activities. Purdue University Jan 2024 - Indiana Horticultural Conference and Expo - Growers/Industry, Indianapolis, IN: Online presentation about strategies to propagate and store strawberry liners in controlled environments. Approx. 15 attendees. March 2024 - North Central Extension & Research Activity-101 (NCERA-101) - Industry/Academics, Des Moines, IA: In person, poster and oral presentation about the effect of light intensity on strawberry runner tips propagated indoors. Approx. 100 attendees. May 2024 - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, Research and Design Retreat - Academics, West Lafayette, IN: In person, poster presentation about the effect of light intensity on strawberry runner tips propagated indoors. Approx. 50 attendees. July 2024 - Purdue Small Farm Education Field Day - Growers/ Academics, West Lafayette, IN: In person, oral presentation about strategies to propagate strawberries for commercial production and discussion about opportunities for small farmers in the Midwest. University of Maryland March 1, 2024: Dr. Chang gave an online oral presentation to the PIP-CAP Board summarizing the goals and progress of the Genetics Team at University of Maryland. University of Florida: We shared the progress of the Year 1 field experiment in Florida on the "UF IFAS Horticultural Crop Physiology Lab" Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UFHortLab). One post was made on Oct 26, 2023, reaching 453 people as of 8/12/24. The target audience of this Facebook page include commercial growers, Ag industries, researchers, extension agents, and students. Cal Poly University: Growers, Industry, Academic, and Students. Presented trial results at the Cal Poly Strawberry Center Annual Field Day, held on August 3, 2023, to 438 attendees. University of California: Ventura County strawberry growers and (virtually) growers and pest control advisors (PCAs) From other production areas. This includes: Fumigant and alternatives meeting (hybrid) and web-site posting at the UCCE -Ventura The Ohio State: Sept 28, 2023: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with invited speaker on UV-C application; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 58; Activity: Online meeting Nov 30, 2023: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with invited speakers on LED lighting for strawberry; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 85; Activity: Online meeting Jan 25, 2024: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with invited speakers on LED lighting and case studies; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 78; Activity: Online meeting Feb 29, 2024: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum on powdery mildew control; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 61; Activity: Online meeting March 28, 2024: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with invited speakers on thrips control; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 50; Activity: Online meeting April 25, 2023: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 26; Activity: Online meeting May 30, 2024: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with invited speaker on strawberry flowering physiology; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 56; Activity: Online meeting May 3, 2024; Organizing a Greenhouse Strawberry School; Online: Contact hours: 5; Participants: 80; Activity: Workshop Changes/Problems:NC State- Hernandez Collecting large amounts of data during destructive harvests of daughter plants has been an ongoing challenge. This year we explored how tools like electronic calipers and imaging can supplement our data and speed up the process of harvesting. The electronic calipers (Moein) and imaging (Sam and Moein) enabled a small team of students and technicians to collect a large amount of highly specific data, in a very short amount of time. Additionally, modifications to the custom-built AppSheet harvest app allowed rapid data collection, and changes to the code (shortening the string of letters and numbers) allowed us to log daughter plants as they grew throughout the experiment, which we were unable to do beforehand. The challenge of these destructive harvests will always be present, and our group will continue to seek innovative methods to improve their harvesting efficiency, producing more data and better science overall. NC State- Fernandez Non chilled plants from CEA were generally weak due to lack of acclimation and were planted later than what is considered optimal for the location. The protocols have been optimized in Objectives 1 and 2 and we should have better plant material in Y3. We will plant on time in Y3. NC State- Tregeagle The Econ team shrunk in size this period, with PI Heidi Schweizer and Co-PI Rachael Goodhue unexpectedly leaving the project in April 2024 and July 2024 respectively. Also, a graduate student, Jung Hoon Han, completed his doctoral studies. The Econ team now consists of PI Daniel Tregeagle and graduate students, Yue Shan. The major planned outputs / publications from the team by the end of the project are: Overview of the US strawberry nursery industry (drafted) Scenario analysis of adoption of CE propagation technology by the US strawberry industry (drafted) Cost-Return study comparing field production with likely CE production system (under development) NC State- Hoffmann One major problem was the reduction of the Economics team (Rachel Goodhue declines to work out of personal reasons, and Heidi Schweizer did leave the Unvierstiy system). Thankfully, PI Daniel Tregeagle (NCSU) as well as PI Hoffmann and Project Manager Vigil will be able to absorb some of thegoals. However, the main goals can still be accomplished which is the overview of the nursery industry, the scenario analysis and the cost-return analysis comparing field production to indoor production. ? Purdue University At the end of the spring semester, we lost all of our strawberry mother plants, which delayed our schedule for the final experiment with unrooted tips. We reached out to a strawberry company in Indiana that initially agreed to provide the necessary material on time. However, they were ultimately unable to do so, and we are now receiving material from Dr. Hofmann's lab. Unfortunately, this delayed the experimental termination by a couple of months. However, we will complete the project on time. During the first run of our cold storage experiment with unrooted tips, we realized that plants need a short acclimation period where PPFD is low (75 μmol·m-2·s-1) at the beginning, and then increased (150 μmol·m-2·s-1) during the rooting phase. Although plants in the first experimental replication were stressed, those in the following replications are being grown following the updated protocol, which ensures survival after the cold-storage phase. The Ohio State We had a nutrient injection system failure in our experiment conducted earlier and currently redoing the whole experiment planned in the second year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?USDA-ARS Two undergraduate students have assisted on this project, learning about plant care and maintenance, experimental setup, data collection, and sample processing. A post-doctoral researcher on this project has been provided multiple opportunities to present her research at internal (e.g., monthly project meetings) and external (e.g., professional conferences) meetings. NC State- Hernandez The project provided funding for several professional development opportunities some of which are attending training sessions, conferences, industry gatherings, extension work, etc. Moein Moosavi: attended several professional one-by-one meeting with Ricardo Hernandez and other committee members, lab meetings, also presented at NCERA 101, 2nd annual PIP-CAP meeting, strawberry field day, Southeastern Strawberry Expo, etc Samson Humphrey: attended several professional one-by-one meetings with Ricardo Hernandez and other committee members, lab meetings, also presented at NCERA 101, 2nd annual PIP-CAP meeting, and the Southeastern Strawberry Expo. Moein Moosavi and Samson Humphrey interned for a week at Plenty, a vertical farming company working on strawberry research and development. NC State- Fernandez A field day was held on May 1, 2024. NC State- Tregeagle Two graduate students have been trained in economic analysis and data collection by this project. NC State- Hoffmann Obj. 6: A student internship program was conducted with Driscoll's and a graduate student from Purdue University. Graduate Students presented at a national strawberry growers conference (Southeastern Strawberry Expo) Graduate Students and Post-Docs presented at local strawberry field day. Virginia Tech The project has trained Baker Aljawasim a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech's Hampton Roads Ag. Res. And Extension Centre to understand strawberry floral development and crop yield data collection. The student is also being trained to run statistical analysis. Additionally, the project has trained one undergraduate student to download data from temperature sensors and determine growing degree days and two undergraduate students on crop yield data collection which included harvesting fruits, grading and weighing fruits, sorting fruits into various non-market categories and data entry. Cornell University A master student was trained in field experimental design, data collection and data analysis. A master's thesis was written describing the project. Purdue University The MS student funded by this project completed a one-week summer internship at Driscoll's in Watsonville, CA, where she gained practical exposure to the strawberry industry. This experience not only deepened her understanding of large-scale commercial production, but also highlighted the practical applications of our research projects. University of Maryland A postdoc and four PhD students received training in genome sequence analysis, HMR marker development, and research presentation. A fifth PhD student received training in genome tool development. (The postdoc departed in May 2024 to accept a faculty position in China.) University of Florida One employee at UF was trained to measure canopy projected area via image analysis. The protocol for canopy area measurements was also shared with other team members. The Ohio State One graduate student (Tripathi) was engaged in this project. She could participate in monthly project related meetings as well as a graduate student symposium to share her project outcomes. California University: One SRA and one field assistant have learned about this work first hand. We have also shown the in-progress study to four PCAs and a Plant Pathology class that benefited from learning about ths approach to plant propagation. Cal Poly University This project has provided graduate student Samantha Simard with opportunities to present to various stakeholders and industry members. Additionally, this project has served as experience in trial management, data analysis, and report writing. Undergraduate students received training in disease diagnostic techniques, strawberry production practices, data collection and analysis. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?USDA-ARS As noted above, this research has been disseminated through professional outlets (e.g., journal articles) and at industry meetings/conferences (e.g., OHCEAC annual conference) to growers and industry stakeholders. NC State- Hernandez The results of the research have been disseminated in the conferences and symposia via poster presentations, oral talks or both. We have also published 2 newsletters including some of the results of the research, recorded one podcast interview with the results of this research, and have corresponded with other graduate students to disseminate our broad results (and methods) with other research groups. NC State- Fernandez Preliminary results were shared at the field day, May 1, 2024. NC State- Tregeagle Through academic presentations. NC State- Hoffmann Results have been disseminated through video, blog posts, list-servs, presentations, in-person meetings and conference articles. Virginia Tech The results of this study were disseminated on June 4 at the Hampton Roads Ag. Research and Extension Center Berry Field Day which had 34 people including scientists, researchers, ag. agents, master gardeners, and growers. Cornell University A presentation was given to the New York State Berry Growers Association board of directors on November 12, 2024. They were presented the results from the 2023 field trial conducted at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. The field trial results compared 3 varieties propagated in CEA conditions vs. commercially available bare-root plants. Purdue University Results have been disseminated through participation in conferences and field days, where findings were shared and discussions with various stakeholders. Additionally, we are currently working on a paper that will be submitted for publication soon, further extending the reach of these results to a broader audience. University of Maryland Results were disseminated in a presentation to PIP-CAP Advisory Board members (March 2024) and in two articles in the SCRI PIP-CAP Newsletter, Vol. 1 (Issues 1 and 3). University of Florida The progress of the Year 1 field experiment in Florida was shared on the "UF IFAS Horticultural Crop Physiology Lab" Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UFHortLab) on October 26, 2023 (screenshot is attached - 10. Pictures/Media). The Ohio State: We have not made formal research presentations as all our data were preliminary. However, we feel that the experiment that is currently conducted by Pooja Tripathi will generate valuable information to share as soon as necessary analysis is completed. California University: The in-progress results have been communicated to over 150 stakeholders: both in strawberry production and nursery industries via in-person and zoom communications. The final results will be included in the annual Fumigants and alternatives meeting to be organized in spring of 2025. Aside from the ag stakeholders we plan on communicating about this work with Master Gardeners, students and the general public. Cal Poly University: Planting date trial presented at 2023 Cal Poly Strawberry Center Field Day. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?USDA-ARS The final set of experiments for 1.2.a Nutrient optimization are to investigate the impact of nitrogen concentration on stolon and daughter plants. This is planned for Fall 2024 (rep 1) and Spring 2025 (rep 2). Additionally, research from this project will be presented at the annual American Society for Horticultural Science conference in Sept. 2024. NC State- Hernandez We are planning to conduct an experiment on intracanopy lighting to see how the overall light should be distributed among the mother and daughter plants. We are also planning to disseminate our research findings in 3rd PIP-CAP annual meeting, the 2024 annual conference of the American Society of Horticultural Science (presentations by both Moein Moosavi and Sam Humphrey), and other field days and field-specific expos. NC State- Fernandez During the next year (Year 3) we will repeat the trial at 2 locations, Central Crops Research Station (Clayton NC) and Horticultural Crops Research Station (Castle Hayne). We will collect total, cull, diseased, and marketable yield and fruit weight twice a week, fruit for fruit chemistry twice during the season and whole plants for dry weight at the end of the season. NC State- Tregeagle Publish the industry overview and scenario analysis papers. Conduct additional interviews with industry members to gather additional cost and return data. Prepare and publish a cost-return analysis comparing existing field practices with possible CE costs based on experimental data from the PIPCAP team. NC State- Hoffmann The next reporting period will be characterized by the publication of several peer-reviewed articles, resulting from above mentioned research. Further, the next reporting period will be characterized by developing written extension publications (fact sheets, guidelines). Virginia Tech We plan to repeat this research during the 2024-25 growing season to better understand the findings. Cornell University A second trial is being conducted in 2024 to see if the findings can be repeated. Rutgers University Develop the framework for online and print guidelines for PIP based on the outcomes of the other objectives. The established protocol will be implemented using 3 cultivars ('Albion', 'Chandler' and 'Sweet Charlie') to establish lighting protocols for modifying plant development. Purdue University Complete the cold-storage experiment and finalize data analyses for manuscript preparation and final reporting. University of Maryland We will create a user manual for the Strawberry Genome Browser tool and then release the tool to stakeholders. We will collect and receive phenotype data for flowering and runnering (from the other teams) in order to investigate associations between the high impact SNPs and the phenotypes. We will verify high impact SNPs of interest via PCR and sequencing, and then develop High Resolution Melting (HRM) assays for selected high impact SNPs that are associated with phenotypes. The University of Florida The findings of the Year 1 field experiment in Florida will be presented at the annual conference of the American Society of Horticultural Sciences in Hawaii in September, 2024. In Florida, the Year 2 field experiment will be performed during the winter growing season (October to March) to assess the performance of plug transplants. We will collect plant growth, yield, and fruit quality data similarly to the Year 1 field experiment. The project progress will be shared via Facebook. The Ohio State We will continue working on evaluating chilling as pretreatment for mother plants to improve runnering efficiency (Objective 2). We will also work on identifying specific environmental conditions that induce dormancy for the selected cultivars 'Albion' and 'Fronteras'. California University: We will conduct 2024-2025 trials in Ventura County to continue evaluations of chilled and unchilled Fronteras plug plants and their performance vs bare-root strawberry plants from fumigated nursery fields. Cal Poly University Chilling treatment trial will be replicated in the 2024-2025 growing season at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Research results will be presented the annual ASHS meeting in Honolulu in Sep 2024.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
USDA-ARS During this reporting period, we identified important aspects of strawberry fertilizer recipes that should be adjusted to improve strawberry runner and daughter plant production. Relative to a strawberry fertilizer recipe optimized for fruit production, 1) shifting to provide a lower percent of total nitrogen in the nitrate form, and 2) increasing the overall fertilizer concentration will increase daughter plant productivity. While cultivar-specific differences occurred, these general trends held across the cultivars evaluated. NC State In one study, the effects of CO2 enrichment and daily light integral (DLI) on strawberry propagation were examined. Results showed that increasing light intensity and CO2 concentration significantly boosted daughter plant production. Specifically, plants grown under higher DLI (28.8 mol m−2 d−1) produced 18% more daughter plants, and those under elevated CO2 (1200 µmol mol−1) produced 40% more daughter plants. The combined increase of light and CO2 resulted in a 70% boost in daughter plant yield. Overall, these findings indicate that optimizing light, CO2 levels, and photoperiod in controlled environments can significantly enhance strawberry propagation efficiency, providing a more sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional methods. This research benefits the broader agricultural community by offering solutions to improve transplant quality and yield in a key crop. Cornell University A field trial was conducted at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY in 2023 to compare field performance of 3 cultivars propagated via CEA conditions or commercially in open field conditions. The trial was planted in May 2023 in an unfumigated site using annual hill production practices adapted to NY conditions. Data on fruit harvest (yield, fruit size, timing), vegetative properties (runner production, branch crown production, dry mass production) and fruit chemical properties (soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH) were collected. Rutgers University This research developed a systematic method to assess the effects of supplemental, low irradiance LED lighting on strawberry flowering and vegetative biology. The most promising treatment for enhancing the floral nature of plug plants was exposure to far-red + red light as a 5 hr night interruption. This treatment resulted in multi-branched, floral plants with potential for use in either greenhouse or field production. Greenhouse runner production was substantially increased following exposure to incandescent lighting at the beginning of the dark period, thus this treatment or one using a spectral distribution similar to incandescent may be suitable for enhancing vegetative propagation in controlled environments. Furthermore, far-red + red light with a high far-red fraction (0.8) significantly enhanced inflorescence production compared to a lower (0.6) far-red fraction, indicating that the relative amount of far-red and red light is important for enhancing flowering in strawberry. Purdue University In our first experiment evaluating different Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) treatments during the propagation of strawberry runner tips, we found that increasing PPFD linearly increased both shoot and root dry mass. However, no growth or yield advantages were measured during a carryover, finishing phase for plants under increasing PPFD compared to a greenhouse control. Overall, our results suggest that strawberry runner tips can be propagated indoors, which enables year-round production in environments that maximize resources. However, the ability to accelerate vegetative growth and improve readiness for transplanting into the field still needs to be improved. It is plausible other environmental factors such as photoperiod and light quality are more beneficial to maximize strawberry fruit yield than PPFD. In our second experiment evaluating the effect of temperature and light during cold storage of strawberry liners, we found that temperatures below the base temperature of strawberry (3 deg. C) will negatively affect quality and subsequent growth of plants. Importantly, we found that storing liners under dark does not always negatively impact growth/quality, suggesting that lower-energy costs can be achieved during cold-storage by maintaining light fixtures off. University of Maryland 1. We demonstrated the feasibility of associating DNA sequence variants with phenotypes for the GA20ox4 gene, which encodes a biosynthesis enzyme for the plant hormone gibberellic acid (GA), because GA is known to be critical for inducing runnering. In the cultivar Fronteras, we identified a DNA sequence variant in the GA20ox4 gene (a deletion of one nucleotide in the coding sequence) that is absent in the cultivar Monterey. This led us to hypothesize that there would be less GA production in Fronteras, and that this would consequently result in reduced runnering in Fronteras. Through an analysis of runner phenotypes conducted in the laboratory of PI Mark Hoffmann (NCSU), we found that reduced runnering was, in fact, observed in Fronteras compared to Monterey, thus supporting a possible correlation with the GA20ox4 variant sequence (Figure 1AB). 2. We developed a comprehensive, high quality, and user-friendly genomic database tool that breeders nationwide can use to identify specific DNA changes in any genes of interest in 13 modern U.S. strawberry cultivars (e.g., Figure 2). This database, which will be available nationwide, will serve as a valuable resource for strawberry breeding programs in the U.S.. The tool provides interactive web-based visualization of the sequence data for all 13 cultivars. By entering a gene name or a genomic region, as well as the cultivars of interest, the nucleic acid sequences of the gene or region will be automatically displayed for the selected cultivars, showing any sequence variations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small insertions and deletions (INDELs) that can affect gene function. Thus users can access, compare, and analyze high-impact sequence variations across all 13 cultivars. This tool is valuable for designing genetic markers and designing guide RNAs for precise gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 technology in cultivated strawberry.? The Ohio State: Strawberry Café forum and Strawberry School have continued serving as a valuable communication platform and learning opportunities for indoor strawberry growers and other professionals who wish to learn various aspects of strawberry crop production, including planting materials and propagation under controlled environment. California University: The field trials that evaluated chilled and unchilled plug plant performance in southern California were completed in June 2024. The in-progress results have been communicated to over 150 stakeholders: both in strawberry production and nursery industries via in-person and zoom communications. The final results will be included in the annual Fumigants and alternatives meeting to be organized in spring of 2025. This information will help shape the landscape for plant propagation and fumigant alternatives needed by the strawberry industry. In California, a 2050 roadmap to sustainable production is a CDFA plan to sustain production with reduced reliance on chemical fumigation. Cal Poly University: During this reporting period, field trials were conducted and results were presented to 438 industry members at the 2023 Cal Poly Strawberry Center Field Day. This presentation informed the audience of the ongoing PIP-CAP grant, the large variety of universities partnering to conduct research, and the current trial taking place at Cal Poly SLO.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Yafuso, E.Y. and J.K. Boldt. 2024. Development of a hydroponic growing protocol for vegetative strawberry production. HortScience 59(3):384-393, doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17523-23
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Durner, E.F. 2024. Understanding Runner Formation and Management. Proceedings of the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, Pennsylvania, January 30, 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Durner, E.F. 2024. Recent Advances In Strawberry Nursery Production. Proceedings of the New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show (NJ ACTS) and New Jersey Vegetable Growers Meeting. Harrahs Resort Hotel Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, February 7, 2024.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Foyrstek, Ava. 2024. An evaluation of novel controlled environment propagated strawberry plug plants. Masters Thesis, Cornell University.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Palmer, Hernandez & Hoffmann (2024). Acta Horticulturae (accepted).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Palmer, Hernandez & Hoffmann (2024). HortScience (accepted).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Invited Speaker - Hern�ndez R. 2023. Keynote Speaker. Indoor precision propagation of horticultural and industrial crops. 2023 OHCEAC conference. Advancement of Sustainable Controlled Environment Crop Production Sciences and Technologies. 19 July 2023. Columbus OH. (100), in-person
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Olasupo, Hernandez, Agehara, Fernandez, Daugovich, Simard & Hoffmann (2024). HortScience (accepted).
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Han, J. H. (2024). Adapting to a Changing Environment: Three Essays on Food, Nutrition, and Controlled Environment Agriculture . Doctoral Dissertation, NCSU. https://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/c090ee3e-250b-46b9-a4a1-47a95842f42d/content
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Tripathi, P. and C. Kubota. 2024. Effect of a short day low-temperature pre-treatment before artificial chilling to enhance vegetative growth and runnering of Albion and Fronteras
strawberry cultivars. Abstract submitted for 2024 Graduate Student Symposium, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Holmes, G.J. 2024. The California strawberry industry: current trends and future prospects. International Journal of Fruit Science 24:115-129. https://doi.org/10.1080/15538362.2024.2342900
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Sam Humphrey, Hern�ndez R. 2023. Impact of elevated CO2 and two daily light integrals on strawberry stock plant and strawberry tip production. Committee on Controlled Environment Technology and Use - Annual Meeting, Davis CA. USA. (100)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Hern�ndez R, Moosavi-Nezhad M. 2023. Increasing photoperiod decreases tip yield of Strawberry Stock plants (long day, Monterey) Grow in a Controlled Environment. 2nd Annual PIP-CAP meeting. 17-18 October 2023. Raleigh NC. (50)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Hern�ndez R, Humphrey S. 2023. Increasing CO2 and light intensity increased daughter plant yield of strawberry stock plants in a CEA. 2nd Annual PIP-CAP meeting. 17-18 October 2023. Raleigh NC. (50)
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Jackson B., Hernández R. 2022. Peat alternatives and substrates for CE (strawberries, leafy greens, herbs). Jan 21. Bowery Farms, Raleigh NC. Contact hours: 1, Participants: 10; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Hoffman ,Hernández R. 2022. Strawberry propagation for CE agriculture. Jan 21. Bowery Farms, Raleigh NC. Contact hours: 1, Participants: 10; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Hernández R. 2022. Strawberry research in CEA. Feb 17. One-Point-One Inc. Contact hours: 1, Participants: 7; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Humphrey S, Hoffman M,Hernández R(2022) Rooting efficacy of different size strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) tips in a controlled environment propagation system.American Society of Horticultural Sciences conference, in person (100), July 2022 - Contact hours: 1, Participants: 100; Activity: Meeting. Target Audience: Students Academics Oct 13, 2022: Emerging Research Showcase; Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact hours: 2; Activity: Poster presentation, Target audience: academics and industry Hernández R. 2022. Precision indoor propagation: Intersection of plant physiology and controlled environment technology to improve young plant production. Ohio State University. Graduate Research Symposium (GRS). Keynote speaker. Apr 1. Contact hours: 1, Participants: 20; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Students, Academics Hernández R. 2022. Strawberry ideal environmental conditions for CE production. May 17, One-Point-One research team. Online, Raleigh NC. Participants: 5; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Thomas, H., Magana, M., AmRhein, T., Hernandez, R., Liu, Z., Schweizer, H., Nitzsche, P., Volk, E., Humphrey, S., Schiavone, R., Ippoliti, C., Shan, Y., Hoon Han, J. and Hoffmann, M. 2022. Overview of Northern District strawberry production, cooler operations and supply chain logistics, tabletop production. Jun 28, Naturipe Berry Growers, Watsonville, CA. Participants: 17; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Martin, F., Henry, P., Hernandez, R., Liu, Z., Schweizer, H., Nitzsche, P., Volk, E., Humphrey, S., Schiavone, R., Ippoliti, C., Shan, Y., Hoon Han, J. and Hoffmann, M. 2022. Overview of pathogen related issues in CA strawberry nursery and fruiting production. Jun 28, USDA-ARS Salinas, CA. Participants: 17; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Pattison, J., Hernandez, R., Liu, Z., Schweizer, H., Tregeagle. D., Nitzsche, P., Volk, E., Humphrey, S., Schiavone, R., Ippoliti, C., Shan, Y., Hoon Han, J. and Hoffmann, M. 2022. Project implementation and support and insights into Driscoll's strawberry operations. Jun 29, Monterey, CA. Participants: 17; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Tapia, J., Zang, H., Pinkerton, N., Herman, G., Hernandez, R., Liu, Z., Schweizer, H., Nitzsche, P., Humphrey, S., Schiavone, R., Ippoliti, C., Shan, Y., Hoon Han, J. Galdi, G. and Hoffmann, M. 2022. Overview of High Elevation Nursery Operations and planning of on-farm field trials. Jun 30. Lassen Canyon Nurseries, Macdoel, CA. Participants: 17; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Carranza, R., Garcia, M., Hernandez, R., Liu, Z., Schweizer, H., Nitzsche, P., Humphrey, S., Schiavone, R., Ippoliti, C., Shan, Y., Hoon Han, J. and Hoffmann, M. 2022. Overview of Low Elevation Nursery operations and plant grading. Jul 1. Plant Science Incorporated, Manteca, CA. Participants: 17; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Yelton, M., Schweizer, H., Humphrey, S., Shan, Y., Schiavone, R.and Hoffmann, M. 2022. Overview of controlled environment production practices. Jul 1. Plenty Farms, South San Francisco, CA. Participants: 10; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Growers, Industry Hernández R. (2022). Controlled environment agriculture: from science to commercial applications. Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku Nagoya, Japan. 9 November 2022. Participants: 20; Activity: Seminar presentation. Target Audience: Students, Academics. October 25, 2022: Advising growers on strawberry mother plant nutrient management; Coral Gables, FL. Contact hours: 1; Participants: 60; Activity: Meeting. Audience: Growers and Industry. Nov 3, 2022: Indoor strawberry production. Presentation at the NC greenhouse grower conference. Contact hours: 4; Participants: 20; Activity: Presentation. Nov 10, 2022: Greenhouse strawberry production in the Southeast. Presentation that Southeastern Strawberry Expo. Contact hours: 1; Participants: 50; Activity: Presentation. Nov 16, 2022: Monthly stakeholder meeting with students and vertical farming stakeholder plenty: Contact hours: 0.5; participants: 8; Activity: Meeting Nov 29, 2023: Advising Bill Ownes on indoor propagation technology; Frankford, Delaware. Contact hours: 4; Participants: 4; Activity: Meeting. Sept 29, 2022: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with invited speakers on substrate selection for strawberry; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 54; Activity: Online meeting Oct 27, 2022: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with an invited speaker (Ricardo Hernandez) on precision indoor propagation for strawberry; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 74; Activity: Online meeting Dec 1, 2022: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with an invited speaker on low-cost trough systems for strawberry; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 55; Activity: Online meeting Mar 8, 2023: Sharing project information with growers in California and other regions at the 2023 NASGA meeting in San Luis Obispo. Contact hours: 0.5; Participants: 150; Activity: Presentation Apr 20, 2023: Installation of Field Trial at High Elevation Nursery in Macdoel, CA. Contact hours: 8; Participants: 6; Activity: Research June 16, 2023: Clean strawberry plant nursery is established with controlled environment company Grafted Growers LLC in Raleigh, NC. Contact hours: 8; Participants: 4: Activity: Research Jan 26, 2023: Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum for open discussion on strawberry physiology; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 63; Activity: Online meeting Feb 23, 2023; Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with an invited speaker on economics of greenhouse strawberry production; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 70; Activity: Online meeting Mar 30, 2023; Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with invited speakers on IPM and yield forecasting for strawberry; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 66; Activity: Online meeting April 28, 2023; Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum with an invited speaker on seed propagated strawberry cultivars; Online; Contact hours: 1; Participants: 43; Activity: Online meeting May 25, 2023; Organizing a Strawberry Café monthly forum for open discussion on strawberry physiology; Online; Contact hour: 1; Participants: 63; Activity: Online meeting. Feb 1, 2023 Overview of a Project to Develop New Propagation Strategies for the Strawberry Industry. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. Contact hours:0.5 Participants: 50 Activity: Presentation (Growers, Industry, Extension) April 5, 2023: Lecture on strawberry flowering physiology highlighting flowering research; Synchronous Virtual Class from Cream Ridge, NJ; Contact hours: 1.5; Participants: 31; Activity: Presentation. April 19, 2023. ARE Ag Student Brownbag. Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact hours: 1.5; Activity: Student research presentation (Jung Hoon Han), Target audience: academics May 16, 2023: Advising strawberry growers on the use of high-quality transplants and optimum planting date; Dover, FL. Contact hours: 4; Participants: about 50; Activity: Meeting. Changes/Problems:Objective 2: Order of performing Objective 1 and Objective 2 was changed as reported last year. Objective 4 A somewhat significant change to the strategy to accomplish the grant goals is to focus on establishing data and models for the California nursery industry prior to incorporating the rest of the US, and Mexico/Canada. The current plan is to develop impact and supply chain analyses for California first, and then address Eastern US nurseries since that is more tractable. However the methods are the same as those outlined in the original grant document. Objective 5 One large set-back continues to be the difficult recruitment of skilled people. A post-doc that was supposed to begin in April/May 2023 could still not be hired, due to bureaucratic hurdles at both the University level as well as the US Immigration Service. The role of this post-doc will be essential to build tighter connections between industry and the project. We currently (as of 8/7/2023) expect a start date sometime mid-late September 2023, practically 4 months delayed. In combination with earlier hiring problems, it is very likely that we will have to ask for a no-cost one-year extension of the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?University of Maryland: Postdoc Xi Luo and PhD student Christina Ippolity received training in sequence analysis, presentation, and interaction with collaborators and stakeholders. Xi Luo is currently interning at Plenty to learn about vertical farming in strawberry. CalPoly: This project has given both graduate and undergraduate students training and exposure to strawberry production practices. 4 undergraduate students aided in planting transplants received from NCSU and in the process developed understanding for strawberry physiology and planting practices. Furthermore, 2 undergraduate students aided in harvesting and data collection. Graduate student Samantha Simard has learned how to design and implement a field trial, collect, and present data to a variety of audiences. North Carolina State University The project is fully supporting graduate students, PhD and MS. In addition the project is also providing partial support to Research Specialists. Moreover, 3 undergraduate students and a research technician were also trained on indoor strawberry cultivation using the project's experimental sites. Graduate students were trained in Strawberry Flower Mapping Graduate students and post-docs are on an exchange program with collaborating industry partners. Primarily the training has been with the students who are working on this project. Now that experiments are being completed, outreach and training/education phase can increase. April 19, 2023. ARE Ag Student Brownbag. Raleigh, North Carolina. Jung Hoon Han gave an informal presentation "The Welfare Effects of Controlled Environment Propagation in the Strawberry Nursery Industry." In addition to graduate students, at least 4 faculty were in attendance to give him feedback on his preliminary work. April 27-28, 2023. Transportation Research Forum. Chicago, Illinois. Was able to connect the PhD student, Yue Shan, to other researchers working on food transportation and supply chain topics. Was also able to meet with USDA AMS Transportation Analysis group. June 1, 2023. Jung Hoon Han Oral Exam. Raleigh, North Carolina. Two of Jung Hoon's dissertation chapters are based on a combination of objectives 4.1 and 4.3. USDA Two undergraduate students at the University of Toledo have had the opportunity to learn how to propagate strawberry daughter plants, set up research trials, collect leachates, measure pH and EC, mix nutrient solutions, collect mother and daughter plant growth data, and prepare tissue samples for nutrient analysis. Cornell A graduate student traveled to the commercial pattern in the project to learn about commercial propagation practices in the strawberry industry on July 25. University of California PIs of this project and collaborators used the NASGA and NASS to communicate the progress of the propagation technology to colleagues and grower clientele during presentations and informal discussions. The Ohio State One graduate student (Tripathi) was engaged in this project. She could participate in monthly project related meetings as well as a professional conference to share her project outcomes (NCERA-101, held in April 2023). Purdue University Complete three experimental runs for each of the experiments Present results at the American Society for Horticultural Sciences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?At this stage of the project, most of the research results are preliminary or are still being analyzed. As such, there has been limited dissemination of information. At two grower/industry meetings,the scope of the project and experimental design details have been shared, as well as preliminary results. We anticipate increased engagement with the grower/industry and research/academic communities in the upcoming year. Additionaly,PIs of this project and collaborators used the NASGA and NASS to communicate the progress of the propagation technology to colleagues and grower clientele during presentations and informal discussions. However, prelimary restults have been disseminted through PIP-CAP project meetings, trips to stakeholders, project website and publications, e-mail, scientific sonferences, presentations, grower meetings, and PIP-CAPWebsite. The next (final) year of the project will involve dissemination of all research data. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?University of Maryland We will further analyze the SNPs of genes of interest and expand the genes of interest to include additional genes through literature search. We will collect and receive phenotype data (flowering and runnering) and determine any association between the high impact SNPs and the phenotype. We will verify some of the high impact SNPs by PCR and sequencing and then develop markers and HRM (High resolution melting) assays for selective high impact SNPs. We will use the Green Petiole (MYB10-Like) gene as a test marker for linking SNPs in MYB10-Like to the green petiole phenotype. Because of the large dataset generated and difficulty in mining the data, we plan to build a database for stakeholders to easily search for genes of interest and obtain SNP information on the genes of interest. Such information will be highly useful for designing genotyping markers for breeding or designing CRISPR targeting sites. Rutgers University A series of experiments further evaluating monochromatic treatments to induce flowering combined with nitrogen enhancement after initiation. An experiment to evaluate an appropriate length of conditioning to achieve floral initiation. Continued data acquisition from ongoing field / greenhouse / high tunnel experiments. A newsletter template will be developed, and initial issue created and distributed with articles on developments from the research being conducted by the other project teams. University of Florida The assessment of transplant performance under field conditions will be performed in the next reporting period. We will collect plant growth and yield data from a field trial to evaluate fruiting capacity in Florida's annual winter production system. We will also discuss the project with Kenneth Parker, a president of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, and invite him to the advisory board to receive feedback and guidance from an industry perspective. CalPoly Project and results will be included as part of Cal Poly Strawberry Center Annual Field Day, held on August 3, 2023. Audience will include over 440 growers, researchers, and industry members. The Optimal Planting Date project will be replicated at Cal Poly, planted fall of 2023 and included in Samantha Simard's thesis defense, tentative July 2024. North Caroliina State Conduct focus groups to establish current conditions and evaluate likelihood and impact of CEA adoption on the California strawberry nursery industry. Use focus group results to develop and calibrate the conventional supply chain model. Use focus group results to model and calibrate the supply chain model under various CEA adoption scenarios. Additional experiments will be conducted including: Photosynthetic capacity of different age/size of daughter plants Spectral impact on the rooting of daughter plants Impact of intracanopy lighting on the propagation yield of strawberry mother plants Establishment of a semi-commercial nursery to propagate several strawberry cultivars for our stakeholders Repeat the field experiment. Continue chilling experiments. Begin Photoperiod experiments Complete the remaining two projects in the Fall of 2023 while writing all other project reports. Publish all data from all projects in Spring of 2024 to conclude objectives. Conduct focus groups to establish current conditions and evaluate likelihood and impact of CEA adoption on the California strawberry nursery industry. Begin phenotyping runner and flower behavior in an indoor nursery and correlate to genotypic data Develop relationships with other early adopting industry, especially Driscoll's, PSI and plenty. Repeat the row-cover experiment at the high elevation nursery. Development of extension and outreach services and products for industry and public stakeholders. Develop student highlight videos. Develop bi-annual newsletter about project progress. Hold annual conference. USDA We plan to finish the hydroponic study focusing on evaluating NH4+:NO3-ratios spanning from 40:60 to 0:100. Additionally, we will evaluate the impact of electrical conductivity and N concentration on strawberry mother plants, runner production, and daughter plant number and quality. Virginia Tech Disseminate findings from research through newsletters and blogs. Plan on disseminating information on floral mapping to growers and stakeholders. Cornell University The replicated planting will continue to be harvested and additional data will be collected. An analysis of the data will be completed to compare the yield of plants from the different propagation methods for the 3 varieties. University of California When plants are available, evaluate their performance in fall-planted production cycle at Camarillo, CA Develop success stories about project related issues The Ohio State We will continue working on evaluating chilling as pretreatment for mother plants to improve runnering efficiency (Objective 2). We will also work on economic analysis of artificial chilling to evaluate the efficacy. Purdue University Complete three experimental runs for each of the experiments described above. Present results at the American Society for Horticultural Sciences. ?
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1. Characterization of mother plant physiological responses to the environment.?Experiment 1: Photoperiod influence on propagation yield of Long-day cultivar 'Monterey' Experiment 1 focuses on the impact of photoperiod on the mother plant morphology, vegetative yield, development, and physiology. The experiment was carried out in 3 environmental growth chambers to test 12h, 16h, and 20h photoperiods. All environmental conditions were maintained similarly between chambers including daily light integral, CO2 concentration, relative humidity, air velocity, substrate, nutrient solution and irrigation amount. Experiment 2: Impact of light intensity and CO2 concentration on propagation yield of long day 'Monterey' and short-day 'Fronteras' strawberry cultivars. Experiment 2 focuses on the impact of light intensity and Co2 enrichment on the mother plant morphology, vegetative yield, development , and physiology. The experiment was carried out in 3 environmental growth chambers to test three CO2 concentrations of 500, 850, and 1200 umol mol-1. In addition, all CO2concentration treatments had a sub-treatment of light intensity. The light intensity treatments were 250 and 500 umol m-2s-1at 16h photoperiod. All environmental conditions were maintained similarly between chambers including relative humidity, air velocity, photoperiod, substrate, nutrient solution and irrigation amount. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Optimal light intensity and CO2to increase resource-use-efficiency and affordability of indoor propagated strawberry plants. The research efforts of Dr. Hernándezhave had a significant impact on the field of Controlled Environment Strawberry Propagation and its related industries. Through a series of seminar presentations, workshop activities, and keynote speaking engagements, Dr. Hernández Laboratory has effectively disseminated cutting-edge knowledge and research findings to diverse audiences, including students, academics, growers, and industry professionals. Objective 2. Development of environmental protocols for transplant establishment, conditioning and long-term storage. Dormancy followed by chilling is known to enhance vegetative vigor and runnering of short day (SD) and long day (LD) type strawberry cultivars; however, conflicting information exists regarding the conditions to induce dormancy (temperature and photoperiod interactions) and the subsequent effect of chilling on runnering. Our objective is to evaluate if various hours of artificial chilling at the end of transplant production can induce vegetative vigor and runnering of a LD cultivar 'Albion' and SD cultivar 'Fronteras'. In our first experiment, the transplants were grown under LD conditions then chilled at 0 °C and SD condition before transplanting in greenhouse. In this experiment, we could not confirm if the transplants were in the state of dormancy and plants did not significantly respond to varied hours of chilling treatments. Further, our original experimental design failed to eliminate the impact of non-uniform greenhouse growth conditions between transplants of various treatments prior to chilling. In contrast, SD and LD European strawberry cultivars have been reported to be sensitive to SD dormancy induction at 15 °C and higher temperatures but chilling did not affect runnering for LD cultivars (Rivero et al., 2021). However, the environmental control of dormancy is cultivar specific and therefore we need to better understand US cultivar-specific responses. We are currently testing the necessity of dormancy-induction treatment under SD and 15 °C daytime (10 h) and 4 °C nighttime temperature followed by chilling in breaking the dormancy. All plants are grown under controlled environment in a growth chamber to evaluate the impact of onset and release of dormancy on vigor and runnering in US cultivars. 3.1. Identify informative DNA variants through sequence analysis of 13 common cultivars and develop PCR-based assays targeting informative DNA variants We have completed whole genome sequencing of 12 varieties, analyzed sequence reads and identified DNA variances in the entire genomes of the 12 varieties. Due to large numbers of DNA variants, we have subsequently identified those variance with high impacts. We have generated a table listing SNPs and their dosages for each gene of interest. The genetics team has finished whole-genome sequencing of 12 varieties. By mapping the DNA sequence reads against the synthetic F.vesva reference genome consisting of the coding sequences of genes of interests, we identified DNA variations (SNPs) in these genes. Subsequently, "high impact SNPswere identified among these genes. Currently, we are examining which varieties harbor High Impact SNPs in any of these 15 genes. In addition, we have expanded our SNP detection to all loci in the genomes by mapping the reads against the haploid-phase resolved genome of Royal Royce including the A, B, C, D genomes. Then SNPs were called and high impact variants were identified for all genomic loci in the 12 varieties . Our team was able to complete the significant majority of all outlined research projects/objectives. We established new protocols and modified others to allow us to most accurately and reproducibly conduct our plant trials with the primary emphasis on the substrate element. 4.1. Cost-return analysis will be conducted for nurseries and growers of various sizes to understand the economic feasibility associated with the use of the tools developed and tested by the project groups. 4.2. Cross-supply chain dynamics will be assessed with an initial mapping of the US strawberry supply chain. Major activities were synthesizing information from the prior reporting period trip into initial budget templates, as well as designing and obtaining IRB approval/exemption for a focus group protocol that will take place next reporting period. 4.3.Scenario analysis will be used to assess the potential impact on the structure of the supply chain. Initial work was conducted on developing a supply chain welfare analysis model to identify the changes in consumer and producer surplus that might stem from adoption of controlled environment technologies by strawberry nurseries. The relevant agricultural economics literature was reviewed and summarized. This was used to develop a working initial model with parameters taken from existing literature and unknown parameters subject to sensitivity analysis. The unknown parameters will be better estimated after our data collection efforts with industry members in the next reporting period. Objective 5: Translation and integration of new propagation systems with industry partners. Development of indoor strawberry nursery at Grafted Growers in Raleigh, NC. Tissue culture plants that are virus free were propagated indoors at the NCSU Pyhtothron and then moved to Grafted Growers in Raleigh, NC. Currently those plants are producing daughter plants that will be used for field evaluations in CA, NC and FL. Evaluation of row-cover treatments on daughter plant production in a high elevation strawberry nursery. In collaboration with Lassen Canyon Nurseries. To improve daughter plant production, using low-tech environmental control in open-field nurseries, a row cover trial was developed with four row cover types: yellow, blue, red and white, in two cultivars. The row-cover trial was established in April 2023 in Macdoel, CA. Objective 6: Development of extension and outreach services and products for industry and public stakeholders. Homepage finished (https://strawberries-pip.cals.ncsu.edu/) Development of industry advisory board and outreach material
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Tripathi, P. and C. Kubota. 2023. Environmental control of onset and release of dormancy to enhance vegetative growth and runnering in Albion and Fronteras strawberry cultivars. Abstract submitted for NCERA-101 Annual Meeting (April, Davis, CA)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Tripathi, P. and C. Kubota. 2023. Environmental control of onset and release of semi-dormancy to enhance vegetative growth and runnering in Albion and Fronteras strawberry plants. Abstract submitted for 2023 Graduate Student Symposium, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Hoffmann, M. 2023. One year update on the Strawberry SCRI-PIP CAP project. Oral presentation, 2023 NASGA Meeting, San Luis Obispo, CA, Mar 8, 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Palmer, M., Humphrey, S., Hernandez, R. and Hoffmann, M. 2023. Impact of strawberry daughter plant size on subsequent rooting and plant development. Poster presentation, 2023 NASGA Meeting, San Luis Obispo, CA, Mar 8, 2023.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Humphrey S. Hoffman M, Hern�ndez R. (2022). Rooting efficacy of different size strawberry tips in a controlled environment propagation system. American Society of Horticultural Science 2021 Annual Conference, HortScience, 57(9S), S103.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Humphrey S, Hern�ndez R. (2022). Strawberry propagation in controlled environments: plant size effect in rooting capabilities and experimental design for varying light intensity and carbon dioxide concentrations. Committee on Controlled Environment Technology and Use, NCERA-101, annual meeting. Sept 11, 2022
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Nationwide: strawberry growers; strawberry nursery industry; students; extension agents; controlled environment industry; strawberry corporations and shippers. Changes/Problems:Timeline; due to hiring problems, we are about 5-6 months behind the timeline at this point in time. There was a delay in hiring the post-doctoral research associate, which meant that the start of the research was delayed by approximately 6 months. A postdoc student began in July 2022 and the first research studies are now underway. Additionally, the order of performing Objective 1 and Objective 2 was changed. However, we do not think this would cause any major issue in other project members' progress. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Ohio State University: One graduate student (Tripathi) was engaged in this project. Her background does not have any formal training in controlled environment agriculture and took some extra time to better understand the baseline principles of controlled environment plant physiology. She took the undergraduate hydroponic crop production course and met her advisor (Kubota) weekly to strengthen her understanding through active discussions. NC State University: Four graduate students (Humphrey, Shur, Shan, Han), several undergraduates and one staff member (Volk) were engaged in this project over the reporting period. Students and staff participated in an in-person tour of the California strawberry nursery industry, which provided on-the-ground study of the industry. The economics team is also conducting a reading group for a survey design textbook. Results on the rooting capabilities were shared with a scientific audience at the American Society of Horticultural Sciences Annual Meeting 2022. Results were shared with a group of growers in NC (100 attendees) at the "Lighting and Learning Event" in Hendersonville, NC. Information was shared with stakeholders at the 2022 Transportation Research Forum hosted by UMSL Supply Chain Risk and Resilience Research Institute (PI Schweizer). Rutgers: The project organized a tour of California strawberry fruit and nursery production for team members. Faculty, staff and students toured farms, nurseries and post harvest facilities learning a great deal about the industry and the issues facing it. The tour provided an excellent platform for team members to network and interact with industry leaders and each other. University of Maryland: PhD student Christina Ippoliti and Dr. Zhongchi Liu went on the trip to California to visit strawberry nurseries and growers. We learned a lot about strawberry growing practices in California, special properties of some of the strawberry varieties, and the desirable traits for strawberry. Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Xi Luo is analyzing the DNA-seq data of the 12 strawberry varieties. She will become proficient in DNA-seq analysis. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through 19 presentations, 7 in-person events, 3 webinars and one annual meeting (details see "other products"). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Virginia Tech (Samtani): I will get trained on the floral mapping technology from Drs. Kubota and Durner. I plan to travel to the Ohio State University and Rutgers University to learn how to floral map the short-day strawberry plant. I will procure videos and educational presentations on floral mapping from Drs. Durner and Kubota in the second year of the project.I will educate growers, agriculture extension agents, and other stakeholders identified from the year one survey on how to floral map short-day strawberry varieties. This will be achieved by traveling and presenting videos and powerpoint presentations to attendees of various strawberry conferences.I will prepare an extension publication and handout on the objective described above. I will mentor an undergraduate student on this task. A professional video or two on this topic will be created with assistance from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech. California Strawberry Center (Holmes): Begin field experiments in Oct 2022. Cornell (Weber): Planning and site preparation for spring 2023 planting of field trial.Planning of data collection requirements and desired varieties for field testing. USDA-ARS (Boldt): The post-doctoral researcher for this project has been hired and started on July 31, 2022. The first research studies in the greenhouse are underway. Renovations for our indoor research facility are targeted to be complete in Fall 2022. At that time, we will begin studies there as well. Over the next reporting period, research studies examining the influence of 1) nitrogen ratios (ammonium to nitrate ratios) in the nutrient solution and 2) solution electrical conductivity on mother plants and daughter plant production will be evaluated. This will include daughter plant yield, quality, and rooting performance. Ohio State University (Kubota): We will continue working on evaluating chilling as pretreatment for mother plants to improve runnering efficiency. Our new greenhouse facility should become available, and we will start planning an experiment to evaluate supplemental lighting for runnering propagation. We will also start evaluation of seasonal productivities of selected commercial cultivars of strawberry as affected by greenhouse microclimate conditions. NC State Hernandez: 1. Establish new research focused on mother plant optimization mainly focused on responses to light and elevated co2. 2. Establish new research focused on the 3D lighting design to improve daughter plant growth in the mother plant. 3. Establish new research on plant responses in the field based on daughter plant size. Jackson: Complete substrate characterization. Identify one or two "standard" mixed that will be shared with others PIs in their respective works. Complete container modeling project. Tregeagle: In the next reporting period, we will be designing our survey and/or structured interview instruments for collecting data from the strawberry nursery industry. We will seek and receive IRB approval for these instruments and begin data collection. This is consistent with the plan outlined in the project narrative. Schweizer: Structured interview and/or focus group design and administration. Build base GIS model of California strawberry nursery industry. Description of California strawberry nursery industry Hoffmann: Administrative: Start the project internal student exchange program; Intensify industry-project collaborations at the Eastern shore through in-person meetings. Research: Start trials at the Strawberry Center at Cal Poly SLO, Implement propagation and conditioning protocols into a semi-commercial growth chamber, and begin row-cover trials at Lassen Canyon Nursery in Macdoel Fernandez: In 2023 we will be conducting field trials to assess performance of plants that have been grown in PIP conditions during the spring and summer of 2023. Rutgers: Nitzsche: Assist with a write up summarizing what was learned on the tour of California strawberry fruit and nursery production to be distributed to all the project members. Finalize the framework of project website so the address can be distributed to stakeholders. Work with Gerald Holmes of Cal Poly Strawberry Center to refine his footage into a complete video explaining California strawberry nursery production to a broad audience. Durner: Data collection and analysis of the previously described trial followed by repeat trials to further hone in on appropriate treatments for developing a production ready plug plant. University of Florida: Agehara: Finalize the experiment design and layout; Prepare the strawberry field for conducting a replicated field experiment; Initiate and manage a strawberry field experiment UC ANR: Daugovich: Communicate about PI germplasm evaluation and prepare for field testing. Galdi: Assist in row-cover trials at Macdoel University of Maryland (Liu): Analyze the DNA-seq reads of the 12 strawberry varieties mentioned above and identify genotypes (SNPs, Indels) at the genes known to regulate flowering and runnering: FT, SOC1, CO, RGA1, GA20ox4, TFL, and others.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: Characterization of mother plant physiological responses to the environment. Controlled environment experiments are delayed by approximately 6 months due to the availability of a new facility at The Ohio State University and the availability of student labor at North Carolina State University. Under this objective, we will quantify seasonal changes of productivity as affected by greenhouse microclimate conditions as well as efficacy of supplemental lighting. However, the characterization of root system environments is on schedule. Identifying parameters and components of soilless substrates to be used for strawberry plant production. Dozens of experimental substrates have been formulated and tested. Much of the work is still preliminary data and results cannot yet be interpreted or extrapolated. More detail at later reporting periods. Objective 2: Development of environmental protocols for transplant establishment, conditioning and long-term storage. During this reporting period we worked on the "daughter plant rooting" under controlled environments. We were able to increase rooting success to 98%. In addition, we were able to root all sizes of daughter plants including extra small daughter plants that were not considered adequate to root before this experiment. This research also showed that the size of the daughter plant impacts the final rooting mass and rooting rate. Large daughter plants have larger rooting mass at the end of the rooting period. While small daughter plants had higher rooting growth rate.This work expands the capabilities when propagating strawberry in control environments. In contrast with field propagation where only 50% of the daughter plants are used for production, using controlled environments for rooting we can now use 98% of all daughter plants. Moving CEA closer to commercial adaptability. Because of the facility limitation at OSU, we moved forward with this project originally proposed in Year 2 or later in this proposal. Following the approach proposed in the project, we designed an experiment to evaluate the impact of chilling treatments on runnering efficiency of mother plants in a greenhouse. Two cultivars were selected for this study ('Albion' and 'Fronteras') and have been subjected to the cultivar-specific chilling units as well as 50% more than the high end of chilling unit requirements reported anecdotally. Our hypothesis is that the more chilling units plants receive, the more strongly plants become vegetative and produce runners. The experiment was initiated in May and rooted runner tips are grown for 8 weeks to achieve a minimum crown diameter of 1 cm. Chilling-treated and untreated plants will be planted in a plastic container (~2L per plant) filled with commercial coconut coir based substrate and drip irrigation. Plant morphology, physiology and runnering will be evaluated in the greenhouse. At Rutgers University, trials have been initiated to evaluate photoperiod conditioning treatments to enhance flowering in Chandler, Camarosa, Ruby June and Albion. Objective 3: Development of a genetic matrix, based on phenotypic responses to environmental treatments. We have obtained leaf tissues of 6 seasonal varieties: Brilliance, Camarosa, Chandler, Fronteras, Radiance, Ruby June, and also 6 perpetual flowering varieties: Albion, Cabrillo, Monterey, Moxie, Portola, Finn.We have successfully extracted high quality genomic DNA from all 12 varieties. We have sent the DNA to Azenta for whole genome DNA-sequencing and obtained the DNA-seq data for all 12 varieties. Because of the large data size, we did not have enough server space to host and manage the data. Instead of setting up our own server, which will be expensive and take a long time to set up, we decided to use the cloud computing offered by CyVerse (https://cyverse.org/cyverse-at-uarizona) at the University of Arizona. Because of the demand of our large data size, we have to pay CyVerse a subscription fee to have access to more computing units and storage space. This is only recently set up and we should be able to start analysis soon. Objective 4: Determine expected economic costs/returns to industry of adopting developed techniques, and estimate the economic impact of adoption on the US strawberry supply chain. Project-industry collaboration was intensified through the development of an industry in-person visit by the project group. This visit has served as a team building tool and to educate project scientists about the strawberry industry as a whole. In this cycle, the focus was on preparing the background knowledge for achieving objective 4. We conducted a thorough literature review and identified the information necessary to collect from industry members to generate estimates of cost and supply chain structure. We prepared for and participated in a tour of the Californian strawberry nursery industry as a prelude for systematic data collection from this industry. A draft website was developed to inform stakeholders about the project and outreach the information developed through the research. Objective 5: Translation and integration of new propagation systems with industry partners. Experiment planning is critical for obtaining good results. Our team discussed the experiment design and layout for the upcoming experiments in 2022/23 directly with on-farm stakeholders. Following experiments are planned: Critical planting time experiment at the California Strawberry Center in San Luis Obispo, and on-farm experiments at Lassen Canyon Nurseries in Macdoel, CA. In collaboration with stakeholders, we also re-visited and determined the strawberry cultivars to be used in the upcoming experiment. Objective 6: Development of extension and outreach services and products for industry and public stakeholders. A program website (https://strawberries-pip.cals.ncsu.edu/) was developed in collaboration with the extension team. We also started to teach program PIs in strawberry flower mapping. All objectives: We visited propagators, producers, breeding companies, and USDA agencies in California. All focused on solving the current issues of strawberry propagation. With these interviews and site visits we better understood our priorities and challenges. This helped the project team to prioritize research and goals. An annual project meeting was held to discuss project progress and next steps.
Publications
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