New “plant armor” more than triples strawberry yields
A new protective fabric boosted strawberry yields by as much as 3.56 times while blocking insects and still allowing sunlight, rain, and airflow to reach the plants. Originally inspired by research on military clothing, Plant Armor could also help farms reduce pesticide and water use.
Researchers in North Carolina have developed a new textile called "Plant Armor" that significantly boosts strawberry yields in tunnel fields. The fabric, which is placed directly over the plants, creates a three-dimensional barrier that prevents insects from reaching the strawberries while still allowing sunlight, rain, and air to pass through.
In field trials, strawberry plants protected by Plant Armor produced yields up to 3.56 times higher than those left uncovered. The fabric did not reduce light availability or negatively impact humidity levels. Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that the plants needed fewer accumulated heat units (known as growing degree-days) to reach the fruiting stage when covered with Plant Armor, potentially leading to earlier harvests.
Additionally, the technology could help reduce pesticide use since the fabric physically blocks insects from feeding on the plants. The concept for Plant Armor originated from military research aimed at creating more comfortable uniforms for soldiers, which evolved into a solution for enhancing strawberry production.
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