New “plant armor” more than triples strawberry yields
A new textile covering called 'Plant Armor' has been shown to triple strawberry yields in field trials by protecting plants from insects while allowing light and air circulation. The fabric also provides a warming effect that helps plants reach the fruiting stage earlier.
Why it matters
This innovation could significantly improve agricultural efficiency and reduce the need for chemical pesticides and excessive water usage.
A newly developed textile covering helped strawberry plants produce more than three times as much fruit in tunnel field trials, while showing no harmful effects on plant health. Researchers say the technology may also offer a way to reduce water use and reliance on pesticides in strawberry production.
The fabric, called Plant Armor, is designed to be placed directly over strawberry plants. Its three dimensional structure creates a barrier that keeps insects from reaching the plants, while the layered material still allows sunlight, rain, and air to pass through.
In tunnel field tests, strawberries protected by Plant Armor produced yields as much as 3.56 times higher than uncovered plants. The fabric did not reduce light availability or negatively affect relative humidity.
A Fabric That Protects Without Blocking Sunlight
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