SOIL HEALTH In a study conducted over two growing seasons, researchers in both seasons did not observe any natural incidences of crown rot or root rot on strawberry plants that emerged from soilborne pathogens. Interestingly, they viewed a reduction in fruit rot diseases: anthracnose fruit rot (causal organism Colletotrichum acutatum species complex) and botrytis fruit rot (Botrytis cinerea) in ASD treated plants. Those rots are commonly observed Doctoral student Baker Aljawasim is part of Virginia Tech research examining how ASD can fight strawberry soil pathogens. KOKAN BERRY HARVESTER every year in East Coast strawberry production. Though ASD treated plants produced lower yields than fumigated plots, Samtani said researchers noticed an increase in fruit sweetness and fruit pH over fumigated plants. The ASD process is achieved by adding carbon sources and water under polyethylene mulch to create anaerobic soil conditions which stimulate buildup of anaerobic microbial populations. The technique causes changes in soil physical and chemical characteristics, such Special Opportunity! Starting at $42,500 Financing available Introducing the Kokan 500S Air Berry Harvester! The KOKAN 500S provides an innovative, unique and proven Solution for Effective Harvesting for a wide range of fruits including Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries and Black Currants. This technology is bound to revolutionize the mechanized berry harvesting landscape. Seven locations to serve you 1605 E. Mead Ave * Yakima, WA 98903 Phone: (509) 248-8411 www.bluelinemfg.com/products/kokan-500s 34 | NOVEMBER 2024http://www.bluelinemfg.com/products/kokan-500s http://www.hartmannsplantcompany.com