Flexible tent systems, a possible control measure against the fungal disease gray mold, in organic and conventional strawberry production. TELTSYS - Projects - Norsøk (en)

Flexible tent systems, a possible control measure against the fungal disease gray mold, in organic and conventional strawberry production. TELTSYS

Strawberries grown outdoors have major challenges with fungal diseases. Is it possible to develop a system that can prevent the berries from being spoiled by rain, while still allowing them to get enough sunlight to develop the good strawberry flavour?

Strawberry field covered with acrylic fabric during winter. There will be installed a flexible tent system to protect the berries from rain and provide sunlight when the weather is fine. (Photo: Atle Wibe)
Strawberry field covered with acrylic fabric during winter. There will be installed a flexible tent system to protect the berries from rain and provide sunlight when the weather is fine. (Photo: Atle Wibe)

This project will test a flexible tent system designed to protect outdoor-grown strawberries from rain using a tarpaulin. When the rain stops, the tarpaulin is rolled up again. This approach is expected to reduce damage caused by the plant disease gray mold and improve the quality of the harvested berries. It could become a highly valuable measure in organic production, as well as in conventional farming by reducing the need for chemical pesticide applications. The trial will take place at Tussvikbær AS in Surnadal

Sketch of the planned flexible tent system. (Photo: Atle Wibe)
Sketch of the planned flexible tent system. (Photo: Atle Wibe)