U.S. scientists find a way to extend strawberry shelf life

May 12, 2020

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Producers and consumers alike become frustrated when strawberries develop grey fuzz shortly after a retail transaction.

To help mitigate this problem, American scientists are investigating how to keep strawberries fresh for longer without the use of fungicides, an April U.S. Department of Agriculture article said.

Botrytis cinerea, powdery mildew and anthracnose are common strawberry mould-causing pathogens, but ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation is an effective treatment option, American researchers found.

UV-C irradiation on the plants followed by a period of darkness killed the fungal diseases and did not damage the plants’ leaves, flowers or fruits, the release said. The dark period robs the fungal pathogens of the light they need to initiate DNA-repair mechanisms, the scientists hypothesized.

This technique also reduced spider mite populations. So, producers might be able to decrease pesticide use.

The researchers are collaborating with an industry member to create a robot that could treat commercial-sized strawberry fields at night, the release said.

iStock/Getty Images Plus photo

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.