This document discusses revitalizing strawberry production in Arkansas and surrounding regions through extended season production systems using high tunnels. It provides background on the history of strawberry production in Arkansas, current production statistics showing a decline, and opportunities for off-season production. The objectives of the program initiated in 2010 are outlined, which are to determine cultivar performance, production methods, and effect of biofumigation in high tunnel systems. The project involves multiple researchers and demonstration of production systems, nutrition practices, color mulches, and more to expand strawberry production season and educate growers. Workshops and trainings have provided information on alternative production systems but had lower than expected attendance. The project aims to decrease risks and provide year-round

1. Revitalizing Strawberry Production in
Arkansas and the Surrounding Region via
Extended Season Production Systems
M. Elena Garcia, Professor- Extension Fruit and Nut
Specialist

2. Justification
• The strawberry industry arose in Arkansas
in the late nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries
• Climatic conditions in the state were
considered favorable for growing and
marketing a high quality berry

3. Arkansas Production
Statistics
• 1926- 15,000 acres
• 1970- 1,500 acres
• 1979 - 400 acres
• 2012 - <200 acres

4. Arkansas Production Today
• 90% of the strawberries grown in Arkansas are
sold in local markets
• Farmers’ Markets and demand for locally
produced and higher quality produce has
created lucrative opportunities for growers of this
highly sought after berry

5. Strawberry production in AR
• Currently in Arkansas the fresh strawberry
market extends from April to May
• There is market potential for fresh, locally
grown strawberries throughout the year.
• Off-season production would be a unique
and specialized item for holiday
consumption, and could bring high returns
to the grower

6. Program Objective (Initiated
in 2010)
• To determine feasibility for off-season
strawberry production under a high tunnel
plasticulture system
– To determine cultivars best suited to the local
environment in a high tunnel plasticulture
system
– To determine effect of biofumigation
– To determine nitrogen fertilizer needs and their
effect on arthropods

7. Revitalizing Strawberry Production in Arkansas and the
Surrounding Region via
Extended Season Production Systems
UA Strawberry Working Group
• Dr. D. Johnson (Entomology)
– Barbara Lewis
• Dr. Rodriguez (Ag. Econ. & Agribusiness)
• Dr. K. Gibson (Food Sci.)
• Dr. M. Evans (Horticulture)
• Dr. E. Garcia (Horticulture)
– David Dickey
– Susan Frey
– Megan McGovern
– Taunya Ernst- Fruit Research Station
Artist:
Passmore, Deborah Griscom, 1840-1911

8. Objectives:
• Obj. 1: Expand and extend strawberry production in
Arkansas and the surrounding region through
demonstration of: 1) modern cultivar performance, 2)
alternative production systems, and 3) innovative
production methods (Garcia)
• Obj. 2: Demonstrate integration of pest management by
utilizing predatory species, exclusion netting, and other
best management practices to increase the economic and
environmental sustainability of strawberry production
systems (Johnson)

9. • Obj. 3: Evaluate and compare the economic
sustainability of the various production systems
(Rodriguez)
• Obj. 4: Assess food safety risk perceptions among
strawberry producers and design a food safety
workshop with outreach and educational materials
specific to the strawberry industry (Gibson)
• Obj. 5: Create professional quality videos that
document and demonstrate performance of the
various production systems and practices (Evans)

10. Demonstration Projects
Projects (HT, low tunnels,
field)
• Nutrition
• Color mulches
• Mite study
• Bed height
• Organic (cultivars)
• Interactive budgets

11. Dormant Spring Strawberries under row cover (January 2014)
High Tunnel Producing Winter Strawberries (January 2014)
Freeze damage
Tubes of
water =
heat sink

12. Jan. 29
Jan. 13
Damage
crown
Damage
crown
Covered with straw blanket

14. Inside HT under covers - Mid-
Feb 2014
Outside under covers – Mid-Feb
2014

15. Workshops and Trainings
• Organic strawberry production
– Clarksville
– Master Gardener and beginner farmers
• HT production and field day- April 16
– Fayetteville
– Ext agents, farmers, NRCS personnel
• In-Depth School- May 5 and 6
– Fayetteville
– Farmers, agents, NRCS

16. Outreach Activities:
• Not as well attended as expected
• Advertised to attract “serious” potential
and active growers and Extension agents
• “High” evaluations

17. Impact
• We have provided growers information on
alternative strawberry production systems
HT, LT, and HT-movable, organic ,
advantages and disadvantages of these
systems compared with field production
• Educational activities well received
– Attendees have learned the basics of
strawberry production
– Decrease the risks associated with strawberry
production

18. Questions?
This project is funded by a grant from the Walmart Foundation and
administered by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Center for Agricultural and Rural Sustainability.”