Apr 7, 2007

Warm Winter Brings Early Berries, Hail Cuts Into Production

There are advantages and disadvantages to mild winters, such as the one most of the United States experienced in 2006. But for strawberry growers in North Carolina – the country’s fourth largest producer – the news is all good.

“This is the earliest I’ve ever (harvested),” said Fred Greeson, who picked his first fruits April 28.

Typically, the four- to six-week season in central North Carolina begins in mid-May.

Greeson credited the warm winter and sunny spring for the early crop. The Greesons were fortunate for the early harvest. A hail storm May 14 destroyed about half of the crop. Many other growers in the region saw their fruit crops completely destroyed.

Greeson and his wife, Sandra, have produced pick-your-own berries since 1993. They grow 1.3 acres, 95 percent of which are harvested by local customers. The continuing success with pick-your-own isn’t mirrored by all of the state’s growers, many of whom say today’s consumers are less likely to visit their farms. Some report selling the majority of their crops in small pre-picked quantities for fresh consumption. The decrease in the number of consumers who are freezing berries for future use is leading some growers to investigate season-extension methods. Using row covers, high tunnels and different varieties can facilitate production of fall and winter crops.

The Greesons use the Chandler variety, started from Canadian plugs. Along with Sweet Charlie and Camarosa, it is favored by the state’s growers.

“They are the best for pick-your-own in this part (of the state),” Fred Greeson said. “The yield is good and has the best flavor and texture (for immediate use by consumers).”

One drawback of the Chandler berry is its susceptibility to anthracnose, but the Greesons have dodged that bullet.

“I’ve been lucky and haven’t had a problem,” Greeson said.

Anthracnose is caused by several species of related fungi and has been a serious problem for strawberry growers in recent years. Different phases can occur on the crown, runner, leaf, petiole and fruit and can lead to rapid plant loss. The Southeastern Small Fruit Consortium (www.smallfruits.org) recommends buying only certified nursery stock, separating diseased plants and limiting summer growth to control the disease. However, during 2004 and 2005, diseased plants entered the country from Canada despite these precautions.

The southeastern plasticulture system, used by Greeson and the majority of the state’s growers, is another deterrent to anthracnose, as both the plastic and the plants are replaced annually. North Carolina State University (www.ncsu.edu) scientists are working to develop resistance to the disease.

Greeson said the growing process begins in July with soil tests. After land preparation and fertilization in August, he hopes for a good rain.

“In laying the beds with plastic, you need moisture,” he said.

Planting can begin in two weeks; Greeson aims for Sept. 28 through Oct. 5. After new plugs are placed with a water wheel setter, overhead irrigation is used several times to get them established.

In late February, he grooms the plants, but the key task is right around the corner. Plants will blossom in March, but central North Carolina may experience frost as late as April 15, so frost protection is essential. Greeson uses an overhead irrigation system run by tractor pump. Although the winter was mild overall, the crops were threatened several times in March, leading him to deploy the sprinklers nine times this year. That was slightly higher than in the typical year.

He uses spray programs for funguses and insects, as needed, up to harvest time. Once picking begins, he doesn’t spray unless it is absolutely necessary.

Greeson said that recommendations from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service (www.ces.ncsu.edu) and the North Carolina Strawberry Association (www.ncstrawberry.com) have been helpful.

“We probably didn’t know what we were doing (when we started),” he said.

In fact, he and Sandra actually borrowed an irrigation system from a neighboring tobacco farmer when they first planted berries 13 years ago. They initially planted a small amount and evaluated their success before investing in equipment. By using signage and classified advertising, they built a clientele that grew through word of mouth. They are considering a direct mail campaign in the future.

After strawberry season, the Greesons produce tomatoes, cantaloupes, squash and cucumbers to sell on the farm and at two local markets.

Fred Greeson said the threats to strawberries are numerous. In addition to diseases such as anthracnose and the annual possibility of late frosts, insects and hail can ruin a crop. Many consumers don’t realize how difficult it can be to produce good strawberries, he said.

“There’s a lot of hard work in it.”