Florida Ag Research Announces Biostimulant Focused Field Trials in Strawberries

Florida Ag Research is launching a dedicated research program evaluating the efficacy of biostimulants in Central Florida strawberry production. Candidate products will be field assessed in small plot trials and larger demo plots for marketing support in the heart of the Southeast strawberry growing region.

Biostimulant evaluation protocols will measure improvements in:

• Plant growth and vigor: early crop establishment, canopy development, root and shoot biomass, and selected pest tolerance.
• Fruit quality: earliness, berry size, color, shelf life, and total yields.

These investigations will detail effects of application rate, phenological timing, soil or foliar treatment, and almost any other specific product usage scenario for the manufacturer.

Using your protocol or ours, these studies begin at planting in October and continue through the fruiting season ending in March 2026. Plant growth rates, root development, flowering, and fruiting parameters are recorded on populations of treated plants compared to untreated ones. Complete materials and methods, statistical and graphical presentation of data, and interpretation of results are provided in the final report.

Florida Ag Research has the capability to apply biostimulant products as a soil amendment, chemigation application, or foliar spray. To capture physiological responses, our trials incorporate advanced measurement tools including the LI-COR® LI-600 Chlorophyll Content Index sensor, NDVI/NDRE sensors, WinRHIZO™ root scanner, and experienced field technicians familiar with strawberry quality standards and measurement. These technologies and staff allow us to quantify crop growth patterns, stress response, and canopy health with repeatable precision.

We welcome inquiries from product developers and invite you to connect with our team for more information on our biostimulant program. ​