NASGA supports a wide range of research with the aim of improving the sustainability of strawberry production in North America (high quality fruit, produced economically, with minimal environmental impact). The following priorities have been determined by the Research Committee to be the greatest concern to strawberry growers; however, proposals that do not address these needs will also be considered. Proposals that are directly applicable to growers' needs are given a high priority, as are those that benefit growers in wide geographic areas. Projects that consider economics tend to be ranked higher. The maximum grant is usually $7,000, although exceptions can be made.

The following are not listed in any order of priority.

I. Cultivar Development and Testing

Improve diversity of the strawberry germplasm

Develop rapid, accurate screening techniques to aid in the production of cultivars which are adapted to specific regions of North America, productive under specific cultural conditions, tolerant of abiotic stresses and resistant to major disease and insect pests.

Develop cultivars with increased fruit size and quality, an extended season, consistency of production and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses.

II. Pest Management Strategies

Develop integrated control measures, and determine their influence on food safety and environmental quality.

Develop alternatives to chemical soil fumigation and better assessments of soil health.

Develop monitoring systems, economic thresholds and management plans to aid in the control of important insect, disease and weed pests, while maintaining product safety and minimizing environmental damage. Particularly troublesome pests and diseases include tarnished plant bug, sting nematode, Phytophthora, Verticillium, mites, anthracnose, angular leaf spot, black root rot and many weed plant species.

Assist in the testing of new chemistries and biological controls for strawberry pests, and in developing new approaches to pest management.

III. Production Efficiency and Profitability

Determine the precise nutrient needs of the strawberry plant over time (timing and rates), quantify effects of nutrient interactions, and identify effective methods of delivering the nutrients to the plant.

Explore new approaches to improving physiological responses to light, nutrients and water.

Develop methodology to extend the marketing season.

Develop or refine production technology that will result in increased fruit quality, productivity and profitability for the grower, and/or reduce environmental impacts.

IV. Special Needs

Identify practices and technologies that reduce risks of contamination of strawberries from field to consumer.

Understand how to improve soil health so as to maintain vigor and productivity over the long term without high levels of input.

Thank you for your interest in doing research that contributes to the success of the strawberry industry.