Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Russ Wallace 806-746-6101, rwwallace@ag.tamu.edu
LUBBOCK– Persons interested in high tunnel strawberry production should make plans to attend the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service High Tunnel Strawberry Field Day from 9:30 a.m.-noon April 26 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Lubbock.
The center is located at 1102 East Farm-to-Market Road 1294, or just east off Interstate 27 at Exit 11.
“We’ll start with registration followed by the program at 10 a.m.,” said Dr. Russ Wallace, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist at Lubbock and director of the Texas Strawberry Project. “The program will include a presentation on integrated pest management for increasing the quality of high tunnel strawberries, followed by a tour and variety taste evaluations.”
Wallace said high tunnels are large Quonset-hut style structures meant to shelter strawberries from the elements, thus prolonging the growing season. Unlike greenhouses, they are not climate controlled and the crop is planted directly into the ground.
Individual registration is $10 and preregistration is requested but not required. To preregister, call Dena at 806-746-6101.
Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available.
The Texas Strawberry Project that Wallace directs is an effort to revitalize the Texas strawberry industry through identification of production constraints and introduction of new technologies. The effort is a part of the National Strawberry Sustainability Initiative sponsored by the Walmart Foundation with the funds administered by the University of Arkansas.
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