Developing new shelter systems adapted to organic raspberry production that reduce pest infestations and boost crop productivity and profitability

Description

Organic berry field farming is short on solutions that ensure good productivity and fruit quality. High tunnels are widely used around the world (over 1.6 million hectares) because extended growing seasons provide farmers with significant potential economic benefits. However, the main limiting factor is the effective control of insects such as thrips, mites, spotted wing drosophila, strawberry bud weevil, raspberry borer, tarnished plant bug, and tarsonemus. An improved design for high tunnels would lead to better control of climatic conditions and extended harvest periods. Lightweight structures that combine rain shelters and insect netting could provide a sustainable solution for small organic growers.

Objective(s)

• Design and validate a new generation of high tunnels with automatic retractable roofs, new roofing materials, and screens that will extend the harvest season.
• Assess the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of rain shelters and insect netting on lightweight structures in organic, summer and fall raspberry production.