The demand for high-quality, high-yield strawberries continues to rise, with growers looking for innovative, sustainable solutions to enhance productivity. In a recent UK-based trial The Crop Smith Ltd has demonstrated the commercial viability of using seaweed extract derived from Ascophyllum nodosum to improve strawberry production.
The trial was conducted on pot-grown strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Marshmello) to evaluate the effects of a new seaweed extract CS1 on key commercial parameters, including yield, fruit maturity, size, weight, and sugar content. Seaweed extracts are well-known for their bioactive compounds, which enhance plant growth, stress tolerance, and crop quality. This study aimed to assess the tangible benefits of seaweed extract in a commercial strawberry production setting.
The trial results demonstrated that seaweed extract had a significant impact on both yield and fruit quality. The key findings include:
- Earlier Harvesting & Accelerated Maturity: Treated plants produced more than twice the yield of control plants by the second harvest (301.2g vs. 142.59g). This earlier fruiting offers a substantial competitive advantage in the market.
- Increased Total Yield: The total yield saw an impressive 16.8% increase, with treated plants producing 1241.29g per plant, compared to 1062.61g in the control group.
- Higher Quality Fruit: The proportion of Grade 1 berries increased by 10%, while Grade 2 and Grade 3 berries saw reductions of 27.78% and 29.41%, respectively.
- Larger and Heavier Berries: Treated plants produced berries that were 6.2% larger in diameter and 12.2% heavier, improving consumer appeal and handling efficiency.
- Enhanced Sweetness: Sugar content increased by 7.3%, leading to sweeter and more desirable fruit for both fresh consumption and processing.
- Optimised Yield Distribution: While the total berry count showed a slight decrease (-1.74%), the shift towards higher-quality fruit underscores the commercial benefits of seaweed extract.
For growers, these results highlight the economic and operational advantages of incorporating seaweed extract into strawberry production.
With increasing pressure to reduce synthetic inputs and adopt environmentally friendly practices, the success of seaweed extract in this trial reinforces the role of seaweed-based biostimulants in sustainable horticulture. By naturally enhancing plant resilience and productivity, seaweed extract aligns with the industry’s shift towards regenerative agriculture.
Further research is recommended to expand sample sizes and optimise application protocols to maximise efficacy under varying environmental conditions. Understanding the long-term benefits and mechanisms of seaweed extract will be crucial in fully realising its potential.
