Effect of High Tunnels on the Growth, Yields, and Soluble Solids of Strawberry Cultivars in Florida

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to compare the effects of high tunnel and open-field production on the growth, fruit earliness, yield, and soluble solid content of Florida strawberry cultivars. Three strawberry cultivars and two production systems were tested inside high tunnels and in open fields. The cultivars were ‘Strawberry Festival’, ‘Winter Dawn’, and ‘Florida Elyana’. Production systems and cultivars significantly affected strawberry early and total yields, but the interaction between both factors was not significant. Early yields increased by up to 54% inside high tunnels in comparison with those from open fields. Strawberry total marketable yields maximized inside high tunnels in comparison with open fields, with up to 63% fruit weight increments. Fruit yields after freezing events and soluble solid contents were also increased inside high tunnels. Using high tunnels in Florida for strawberry production might benefit growers by improving earliness and providing a competitive edge in the market, reducing sprinkler irrigation use for freeze protection, hence lowering fruit damage and fuel or electricity costs, and the incidence of foliar and fruit diseases.