Low Cost High Tunnel versus Open Field Production of Organically Grown Strawberries in North Florida: Second Year Evaluation

Abstract

Crop production in north Florida can be limited by freezing temperatures during winter months. Many fresh market organic and small scale producers utilize season extension techniques such as floating row covers, low tunnels, and high tunnels to protect specialty crops from damaging frost. In this study, we present the second year evaluation of strawberries grown in low cost high tunnel versus open field production systems. The four strawberry (Fargaria × ananassa) cultivars used in this evaluation were SensationTM, brand (Florida 127), WinterstarTM, (FL 05-107), Florida Radiance and Florida Beauty. Within each production system, 16 subplots, each containing 16 strawberry plants per cultivar, were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with 4 replications. Yield data were collected weekly from 27 Dec. 2017 through 4 May 2018. Descriptive statistics were generated using SAS ver. 9.4 and an independent samples t test was used to compare treatment means.