{"id":191,"date":"2022-06-06T21:21:24","date_gmt":"2022-06-06T21:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/units.cals.ncsu.edu\/cea\/?page_id=191"},"modified":"2023-12-04T20:49:46","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T20:49:46","slug":"strawberry-propagation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/units.cals.ncsu.edu\/cea\/research\/strawberry-propagation\/","title":{"rendered":"Strawberry Propagation Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

We aim to revolutionize strawberry plant propagation through the use of controlled environment (CE) systems (indoor farms and\/or greenhouses). It is necessary to investigate strawberry plant responses during their vegetative cycle to maximize propagation yield and to increase affordability. We are studying the impact of light, CO2<\/sub>, photoperiod, temperature, substrate, nutrition and systems on propagation yields. We are also optimizing the economic feasibility of this new approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The transformative research being performed from this project is part of the grant proposal development services offered by the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Coalition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current challenges in the strawberry propagation industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Economic Impact<\/h2>

The success of the $2.3 billion strawberry farming industry depends on the ability to produce clean plant material on an economically viable scale and in a timely manner. <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Propagation Time<\/h2>

To ensure clean planting stock, mother plants are typically grown in virus-indexed tissue culture facilities and then propagated in methyl-bromide (MB) treated fields for 2-3 years.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Disease Risk<\/h2>

Current propagation practices and systems can lead to the infection of plants with one or more potentially devastating diseases. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Controlled environment strawberry propagation will provide clean and high-quality products with the appropriate environmental conditioning.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Plan Forward<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n