US Department of Agriculture scientists are carrying out trials to try to extend the strawberry-growing season in the northern and eastern US.
Geneticist Kim Lewers is leading the study, which will use low tunnels instead of the industry standard high tunnels.
She has found that humidity levels in low tunnels are significantly down on those in high tunnels, thus minimising incidence of diseases such as botrytis and powdery mildew.
As a result, Lewers believes the four-week season in the state of Maryland can start slightly earlier and continue up until autumn.
