Development of cropping systems for soilless tabletop production of strawberries in Ontario

Lead Applicant: John Zandstra

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems - Input Use Efficiency

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2023/2024

Research Centre: Ontario Crops Research Centre - Cedar Springs

Research Summary: When using dayneutral strawberries, 5 months of outdoor field production is possible in Ontario. Soilless culture of strawberries is the next level of production and is popular in Europe. This system uses containers of soilless media on raised benches in controlled environments like high tunnels and greenhouses. Yield and quality can be improved since soil borne diseases are avoided and fungal diseases can be reduced. Insect control using predators is more practical. Plant growth is optimized as water and fertilizer levels are managed. The fruit is easier to see and at a comfortable picking height making labour use more efficient. Cropping systems need to be developed for the Ontario industry; topics include media type, cultivar, plant type, fertility rates, irrigation, and cropping length. In this project, trials will be conducted in high tunnels. Improved production systems will provide larger markets for Ontario producers and help offset imports.