“Strawberry Production Update” Dr. Barclay PolingExtension Specialist Small Fruit Crops, NC State

11-06-08

Purpose

Update the 2005 Production Guide found on SRSFC website

Discuss new economic budget Conclude with “10 rules” for new

growers

Important changes

Varieties Plant Material Options Row Cover Management New Fumigant Option: Midas (not

available until 2008) Costs!! (new enterprise budget)

Recommended Varieties

Chandler Camarosa Sweet Charlie Strawberry Festival Other possibilities

Galletta – new from NCSU Albion – new from Univ. Calif.

Phytophthora cactorum!

Sweet Charlie – very susceptible But, Chandler and Camarosa are

susceptible!

Galletta – well adapted to plasticulture!

Data from Claytonvariety Total Yd Market Yd Cull

Albion 22,351 21,749 602

Camarosa 35,826 33,848 1,978

Chandler 39,727 36,161 3,566

Festival 35,210 33,813 1,397

Galletta 26,767 25,810 957

Sweet Ch 22,356 21,327 1,029

Production- Systems and Varieties

Choices are intrinsically linked Manage for each individual variety

Please come see us!1.5 oz per sq yd

Why Small Growers Like Row Covers

Experience of Agents

Variations in GA and SC

Critical Temperatures (air)– Perry and Poling (1985)

Buds

Internal

Buds

Closed

Flowers

Open

Small Green Fruit

10 F

-12.2 C

22-27 F

-5.5 to -2.7

30 F

-1.1 C

28 F

-2.2 C

Fumigant Situation!

Ag Economics or WHY Bother?

Latest Budget Safley and Poling Do Strawberries = Profits?

ExpensiveRiskyBut everybody loves ‘emLIGHTS ON – Review New Budget

Production- Final 10 Points