Optimizing strawberry yields in a changing climate

Climate warming and the reduction of peat use are rapidly changing the conditions for strawberry cultivation, creating a need for new technological and agronomic solutions. The aim of the project is to develop practices that improve the resource efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of strawberry production in a changing climate.

The project will be carried out at the Natural Resources Institute Finland’s (Luke) research station in Suonenjoki during 2026–2027. In the polytunnels, the focus is on improving the yield and quality of everbearing strawberry cultivars by optimizing irrigation and fertilization in peat-free growing media, as well as comparing powdery mildew control using biological agents and UVC treatment. The open‑field experiment will be conducted on a stress test field that simulates underground and aboveground warming. There, the formation of flower buds and winter hardiness of seasonal strawberry cultivars will be studied under conditions that mimic warming growing seasons, particularly warmer autumns. The project will also develop a testing protocol for new strawberry cultivars by determining their critical photoperiod and temperature thresholds and examining flower bud development under controlled conditions.

The results will strengthen the competitiveness of strawberry producers in North Savo and promote more sustainable production. The project forms a pair with the Optimizing strawberry yield in a changing climate investment project.