Connecting Breeders to Producers: Regional On-Farm Strawberry Trials
Bringing new strawberry selections into commercial fields to better understand their potential in the Pacific Northwest
Choosing a new strawberry variety can be a significant decision for growers, particularly when limited regional information is available about how that variety may perform under commercial Pacific Northwest conditions.
From 2017–2020, this project created an opportunity to evaluate strawberry cultivars and advanced selections through regional on-farm trials, connecting breeding research more directly with commercial production.
Across three growing seasons, June-bearing and day-neutral strawberries were evaluated for characteristics including yield, fruit quality and their potential fit for different markets.
The trials identified several promising selections. Florida Beauty generated interest among growers in both Oregon and Washington, while LCN 86U60 showed potential under Oregon conditions. Among June-bearing strawberries, Puget Crimson and Marys Peak were among the varieties showing promise, although suitability varied by location and intended market.
Beyond individual varieties, the project addressed a practical challenge in cultivar development: growers need regional information before committing land, labor and resources to an unfamiliar selection.
By evaluating new material under Pacific Northwest conditions, the trials provided information that breeders, nurseries, growers and processors could use as they considered future varieties and production decisions.