Commercial Strawberry Production

• Season-Long Strawberry publication with Everbearers (EB401) 
  Willie Lantz, University of Maryland Extension—Garrett County, Extension Educator—Agriculture and Natural Resources; Dr. Harry Swartz, Retired—University of Maryland, Associate Professor, Horticulture, Owner Five Aces Breeding; Kathleen Demchak, Senior Extension Associate, Horticulture, Penn State University; Sherry Frick, University of Maryland Extension—Garrett County, Program Assistant, Horticulture
  
  Strawberries are available in grocery stores 365 days a year. This is largely due to the fact that berries are shipped from different locations across the United States and around the world. However, in the eastern United States, fresh, locally-grown strawberries are only available at farmers markets, roadside stands, and grocery stores for several weeks during the late spring and early summer. This limited availability occurs mostly because the commercial strawberry production in the East is derived from June-bearing varieties, which have a brief production season.
   
• The Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide for Commercial Growers
  This guide is produced by Penn State in cooperation with Rutgers University, the University of Delaware, the University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia University.
  
  (2013-2014)  provides general information on preplant considerations, soil management and nutrition, and pest management, as well as specific information for planting strawberries, blueberries, brambles, gooseberries, and currants. Appendixes provide information on expanded special topics, diagnostic services, nursery sources of berry plants, and production supplies and services. Additional sources of information are also given.
   
• The Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada (NRES-88) 
  
  The most comprehensive guide ever produced for strawberry growers. Includes 14 chapters, 37 figures, 47 tables, and 115 color photographs. Includes a key to common strawberry pests and problems.
   
• Southern Regional Strawberry Plasticulture Production Guide, Second Edition 2024 (AG 645)
  Authors: Mark Hoffmann (NC State University), Amanda McWhirt (University of Arkansas), Jayesh Samtani (Virginia Tech), Christle Moore (Virginia Tech), Guido Schnabel (Clemson University), Daniel Tregeagle (NC State University), Hannah Dankbar (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Gina Fernandez (NC State University), Chip Simmons (NC State University), Penelope Perkins-Veazie (NC State University), Barclay Poling (NC State University), David Lockwood (University of Tennessee), Roy Flanagan (Virginia Tech), Erin Eure (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Kathryn Holmes (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Rebecca Melanson (Mississippi State University), Kristin Hicks (NCDA&CS), Aaron Cato (University of Arkansas) & Sanjun Gu (NC A&T State University)
  This guide is a collaborative effort, including information about plasticulture production of strawberries from 20 authors, photo illustrations from 16 contributors, and the work of three co-editors. Published by NC State Extension.

Plasticulture

• Production of Vegetables, Strawberries, and Cut Flowers Using Plasticulture, NRAES-133 (pdf)
  • Chapter 10: Production of Strawberries Using Plasticulture (pdf)
    
    Plasticulture is the use of plastics in agriculture. The book discusses plastic mulch, drip irrigation, fertigation, season extension, windbreaks, crop establishment, and more. Strawberry and cut flower production are described in depth. Plasticulture helps achieve earlier and higher yields, and more efficient use of resources. Intended for growers, gardeners, landscapers, and educators the book includes 85 black and white photos, 18 illustrations, sample calculations, and a glossary.
     
  • Southern Regional Strawberry Plasticulture Production Guide, Second Edition 2024 (AG 645)
    Authors: Mark Hoffmann (NC State University), Amanda McWhirt (University of Arkansas), Jayesh Samtani (Virginia Tech), Christle Moore (Virginia Tech), Guido Schnabel (Clemson University), Daniel Tregeagle (NC State University), Hannah Dankbar (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Gina Fernandez (NC State University), Chip Simmons (NC State University), Penelope Perkins-Veazie (NC State University), Barclay Poling (NC State University), David Lockwood (University of Tennessee), Roy Flanagan (Virginia Tech), Erin Eure (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Kathryn Holmes (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Rebecca Melanson (Mississippi State University), Kristin Hicks (NCDA&CS), Aaron Cato (University of Arkansas) & Sanjun Gu (NC A&T State University)
    This guide is a collaborative effort, including information about plasticulture production of strawberries from 20 authors, photo illustrations from 16 contributors, and the work of three co-editors. Published by NC State Extension.

Commercial Storage

• The Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks (Handbook # 66, Revised Feb. 2016)
  Edited by Kenneth C. Gross, Chien Yi Wang, and Mikal Saltveit
  Gross and Wang are formerly with the Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD. They are now retired. Saltveit is with the Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA.
  
  Agriculture Handbook 66 (AH-66) represents a complete revision and major expansion of the 1986 edition. It has been reorganized and now includes 17 Chapters and 138 Commodity Summaries written by nearly a hundred experts in plant science and postharvest technology. This version, like the previous editions of AH- 66 in 1954, 1968, 1977, and 1986, presents summaries of current storage requirements of fresh fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, and other horticultural crops. However, this highly expanded version also includes information on quality characteristics, maturity indices, grading, packaging, precooling, retail display, chilling sensitivity, ethylene production and sensitivity, respiration rates, physiological disorders, postharvest pathology, quarantine issues, and suitability as a fresh-cut product. A large number of fruits and vegetables were added, as well as sections on food safety, nutritional quality, texture, and fresh-cut produce. The purpose of storing plant material is to lengthen the time it can be consumed or utilized. In doing so, it is critical to provide an environment that minimizes deterioration, maintains microbial safety, and retains other quality attributes. AH-66 provides guidelines and other important information for storing and handling horticultural commodities to accomplish this.

Produce Safety

• Produce Safety
  The University of Maryland Plant Science Department, Food Safety Group collaborates with the Maryland Department of Agriculture Food Quality Assurance Program, UMD Agriculture Law Education Initiative, and the University of Maryland Extension Food Safety to provide Maryland farmers and producers with support, education, and assistance in fresh produce safety.

• Cold Damage to Strawberry Flowers
  Gerald Brust
  University of Maryland Extension
   
• Frost/Freeze Protection in Strawberries
  Jeremy A. Pattison, Small Fruit Research and Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, Southern Piedmont AREC
  
  Discusses ways to protect strawberry plants, blossoms, and fruits from damage by frost and freeze conditions.
   
• Strawberry Cold Protection
  Video Length: 41:23
  Speaker: Dr. Mark Hoffman, Small Fruits Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor, NC State Extension
  Description: Dr. Mark Hoffman presents a refresher on Strawberry cold protection methods just ahead of Spring, when blossom protection becomes important! He explains different weather types, how to diagnose weather forecasts, and the pros and cons of common frost and freeze protection methods that are used during Spring on strawberries in North Carolina.

Spray Programs or Pest Advisory

• Spray Program for Multi-Small Fruit Plantings
  R. David Myers, University of Maryland Extension 
  
  Multi-Small Fruit Spray Program (updated yearly) for the control of major small fruit (Strawberries, Brambles, Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Grapes Pest and Disease.)  
   
• IPM Net
  IPMnet is an online resource for commercial ornamental plant production and maintenance with an emphasis on using an integrated pest management approach. We primarily work with nursery growers, landscapers, greenhouse growers, cut flower growers, IPM scouts, and arborists.
   
• Maryland Fruit & Vegetable Blog
  Provides readers with current information on fruits and vegetables, disease and pest updates, and much more.
   
• Plant & Pest Advisory 
  Rutgers Cooperative Extension
  Provides seasonal updates focusing on insects, diseases, and weeds of importance to NJ Commercial Growers.
   
• University of Maryland Extension Weed Management 
  This program aims to assist growers in developing effective weed management programs for agronomic and vegetable crops. On this page you will find information about completed and ongoing research projects, educational resources, and information on events or other matters of interest.

Diseases

Mites

• Cyclamen Mites Found in Strawberries
  Gerald Brust, University of Maryland Extension 
   
• Low Level of Two Spotted Spider Mites in Strawberries
  Gerald Brust, University of Maryland Extension
• Mites (Two Types) Found in Strawberries
  Gerald Brust, University of Maryland Extension 
• Two spotted spider mites and cyclamen mites found in strawberries
  Gerald Brust, University of Maryland Extension

Neopestalotiopsis

• Post-Planting (Fall 2025) Recommendations for Managing Neopestalotiopsis
  Guido Schnabel, Clemson University; Phil Brannen, University of Georgia; Bill Cline and Caleb Bollenbacher, North Carolina State University

Strawberry Anthracnose & Botrytis

• Strategies for Effective Management of Botrytis and Anthracnose Fruit Rot in Strawberries
  By Mengjun Hu, Ph.D , and Kathy Demchak
  
  Managing gray mold (Botrytis) on strawberries is increasingly challenging because of fungicide resistance development, plus a new Botrytis species that is less susceptible to fungicides is becoming common in the mid-Atlantic region. Resistance to certain fungicides is also a problem in management of anthracnose fruit rot. This article describes disease management strategies designed to slow further resistance development, while also providing specifics for managing our two most common fruit rots.
   
• Bruising on strawberry leaves
  Gerald Brust, University of Maryland Extension.

Pests

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

• Stop BMSB
  Collaborators: USDA/NIFA - Specialty Crop Research Initiative, USDA -Ag Research Services, Rutgers, Penn State, Virginia Tech, University of Delaware, University of Maryland, Northeastern IPM Center, Washington State University, Cornell University, Organ State University, and North Carolina State University.
  
  Stop BMSB Web Site is bringing its latest findings to growers in North America. A group of 50 researchers from 10 institutions across the United States is solving the mysteries of this pest that damages a huge range of fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops. You will find a photo identification guide and recommendations for how to control it.

Spotted Wing Drosophila

• Spotted Wing Drosophila
  Penn State Extension Pest Alert, Authors: K. Demchak, D. Biddinger, and A. Surcică; Pictures: A. Surcică; Reviewers: B. Butler, E. Rajotte, S. Spichiger, L. Donovall, and K. Bernhard; Horticulture Program November 2011
  
  Part 1: Overview and Identification
  Part 2: Natural History
  Part 3: Monitoring
  Part 4: Management

Slugs and Sap Beetles

• Who has been in my strawberries? Slugs and sap beetles, two common pests
  By Maria Cramer, and Dr. Kelly Hamby
   
• Strawberry Sap Beetle Management in Maryland Strawberry Production (FS-2023-0656)
  By Sankara Ganesh, Maria Cramer, and Kelly Hamby
  
  Strawberry sap beetles cause direct feeding damage to strawberry fruit, with diversified and pick-your-own operations at highest risk. Cultural controls that reduce accumulation of overripe fruit effectively reduce damage. Well-chosen insecticide applications also contribute to successful management.

Weed

• An IPM Weed Pocket Guide for Weed Identification in Field Crops (E3081)
  Michigan State University Extension, Compiled and edited by Wesley Everman, Joy Landis

Other

• Constructing a Cheap and Effective Strawberry Sprayer (FSA6161) PDF
  By Ryan Keiffer, Aaron Cato, Amanda McWhirt, and Jason Davis
  University of Arkansas, Agriculture and Natural Resources FSA6161

Plasticulture

• Production of Vegetables, Strawberries, and Cut Flowers Using Plasticulture, NRAES-133
  • Chapter 10: Production of Strawberries Using Plasticulture PDF (Archive)
    
    Plasticulture is the use of plastics in agriculture. The book discusses plastic mulch, drip irrigation, fertigation, season extension, windbreaks, crop establishment, and more. Strawberry and cut flower production are described in depth. Plasticulture helps achieve earlier and higher yields, and more efficient use of resources. Intended for growers, gardeners, landscapers, and educators the book includes 85 black and white photos, 18 illustrations, sample calculations, and a glossary.
     
  • Southern Regional Strawberry Plasticulture Production Guide, Second Edition 2024 (AG 645)
    Authors: Mark Hoffmann (NC State University), Amanda McWhirt (University of Arkansas), Jayesh Samtani (Virginia Tech), Christle Moore (Virginia Tech), Guido Schnabel (Clemson University), Daniel Tregeagle (NC State University), Hannah Dankbar (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Gina Fernandez (NC State University), Chip Simmons (NC State University), Penelope Perkins-Veazie (NC State University), Barclay Poling (NC State University), David Lockwood (University of Tennessee), Roy Flanagan (Virginia Tech), Erin Eure (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Kathryn Holmes (N.C. Cooperative Extension), Rebecca Melanson (Mississippi State University), Kristin Hicks (NCDA&CS), Aaron Cato (University of Arkansas) & Sanjun Gu (NC A&T State University)
    This guide is a collaborative effort, including information about plasticulture production of strawberries from 20 authors, photo illustrations from 16 contributors, and the work of three co-editors. Published by NC State Extension.

Organic

• 2022 Organic Production and IPM Guide for Strawberries
  Cornell University, By Juliet Carroll and Marvin Pritts
  
  This document provides an overview of the best practices for growing organic strawberries, covering various aspects of cultural and pest management that can help promote plant health and minimize pest-related issues. While the guide is organized into distinct sections, it's worth noting that these topics are interconnected, and each section can have an impact on the others.
   
• Strawberries: Organic Production
  Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, Martin Guerena, and Holly Born, NCAT Agriculture Specialists, Published 2021 © NACT IPO46
  
  This publication provides an overview of organic strawberry production methods. It also covers integrated pest management and weed control techniques that can reduce pesticide use in strawberry production. Included are discussions of weeds, pests, diseases, greenhouse production, plasticulture, fertility, economics, and marketing. Lists are provided of further resources, both electronic and in print.

Tunnel Production

• Tunnel Production
  Cornell Fruit Resources: Berries
  
  This site features information for growers and educators on all types of protected culture for strawberries and brambles.

Strawberry Production
Cornell Fruit Resources: Berries
Cornell University

Strawberry Growers Information
NC State Extension

• Sensor Placement and Floating Row Cover Impact on Fruit Rotting Diseases in Strawberries
  By Scott D. Cosseboom , and Mengjun Hu, Ph.D.  |  Vegetable and Fruit News, October 2022, Volume 13, Issue 7.
• Bruising on Strawberry Leaves
  By Jerry Brust
• Black Root Rot found in strawberry plantings
  By Jerry Brust
• Strawberries and Fall Nitrogen
  By Haley Sater
• Dry Plugs / Causing Problems in Some Strawberry Fields
  By Gerald (Jerry) Brust
• Spring Pest Scouting in Strawberries
  By Haley Sater