ROW COVERS

DO STRAWBERRY GROWERS NEED THEM?

Improvements in manufacturing over the last 20 years have made possible the availability of large covers that can be laid directly on plants. Normally, these covers are easy to use, lightweight and durable and can be easily applied over large areas by hand or machinery. Such covers can improve earliness, yield and quality. More specifically to plasticulture strawberry growers, benefits lean more towards over-wintering protection and late season frost/freeze protection or towards promoting fall growth of plants in colder climates. These row covers are known as spunbound or nonwoven fabrics and are most commonly made of polypropylene or polyester. Such covers are manufactured by melting the appropriate plastic or combination of plastics and spraying fine filaments onto a belt which conveys them to a bonding roller that presses and fuses them together where they touch. This process creates fabrics that are lightweight and durable. The greatest benefits from the use of row covers are realized when they are fitted to one’s individual strawberry production system. This requires consideration being given to ones geographical location, proper management of the covers with regards to application and removal timing and the management and use of covers with overhead irrigation for late season freezes. Strawberry growers in mild climates (coastal plains and piedmont) typically use row covers for late season frost or freeze protection. Most growers in these regions view row covers as insurance policies; they may not be needed, but are invaluable when they are needed. When covers are used for only short periods such as this, their exposure to the elements (sun, wind, moisture) is greatly reduced; therefore, lightweight, less expensive row covers can be utilized. The benefits of lightweight covers (0.5 oz/yd2) for freeze protection can be greatly enhanced when used in combination with overhead irrigation. Growers in colder climates (mountains) should use row covers as part of their strawberry production system and should consider the heavier and better quality materials due to the length of time these materials will be exposed to the elements. It is possible for some growers to apply covers as early as December, leaving them on well into late February, thus extending their exposure to long periods of time. Also, temperatures in these areas have been known to dip low enough to cause plant mortality without the aid of row covers to protect and shield plant crowns. For these reasons, medium to heavy covers (1.0 oz/yd2 to 1.25 oz/yd2) should be considered; however, not too heavy due to excessive light reduction. Covers that block more than 50% of available light could actually slow growth and advancement of ones strawberry crop. The following reference chart gives the basic information needed for making good decisions when purchasing the right cover for your application.

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