New Fabric Technology Boosts Strawberry Yields and Reduces Pesticide Need
What happened
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a knitted fabric called Plant Armor, which was shown to raise strawberry yields by as much as 3.56 times during tunnel field tests. The fabric blocks aphids completely in laboratory tests while still allowing sunlight, rain, and air to reach the plants. R. Michael Roe, a senior researcher on the technology, noted that the fabric's structure forces insects through a winding path.
From natureworldnews.com
Why it matters
The technology offers a physical barrier that could reduce the need for chemical sprays, which is important for growers and consumers seeking fewer pesticide residues. Since strawberries are a high-value crop attacked by many pests, even a partial reduction in spraying could impact growers' operating costs.
From natureworldnews.com
Who's involved
- R. Michael RoeSenior researcher on the Plant Armor technology
- North Carolina State UniversityUniversity where the research was conducted
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- North Carolina State UniversitySpeculative
Strawberry growers might see reduced costs for chemical sprays and increased revenue from higher yields.
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The entities involved
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North Carolina State University
public research university in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
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