Strawberry Chat

Wenjing Guan and Miranda Purcell
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Strawberry Chat is a virtual discussion about strawberry production in Indiana and neighboring states. We invite guests to discuss various topics related to strawberry production in the lower Midwest. The podcast was based on research activities supported by grant funding, including the NC-SARE Project LNC21-454; SCRI (Grant No. 2021-51181-35858/project accession no. 1027430); ISDA Specialty Crops Block Grant Program.

  1. 05/16/2025

    Farmer Interview with McNitt Growers: Neopestalotiopsis and Resistant Varieties | Episode 20, May 16, 2025

    In this episode, we talk with Bill McNitt, owner of McNitt Growers—a nursery specializing in spring bedding plants and fall strawberry plug production. Bill shares his firsthand insights into how Neopestalotiopsis disease has affected the strawberry industry and discusses the promising opportunities presented by newly released resistant varieties now available to fruit growers.

    42 min

  2. 12/18/2024

    Farmer Interview with Sam Erwin: Indiana Berry Company, and Strawberry Production in Indiana | Episode 19, Dec. 18, 2024

    In this episode, we speak with Sam Erwin, owner of Indiana Berry Company, a leading supplier of bare-root strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, asparagus, and more. It is fascinating to hear Sam talk about the company's history and the fruit industry in Indiana, as well as his version and advice for the new generation of fruit growers. We will also dive into how bare-root strawberry plants are produced at Indiana Berry and hear Sam share his thoughts on the different strawberry production systems.

    53 min

  3. 10/04/2024

    Farmer Interview with Brad Bapst: Plasticulture Production in Southern Ohio | Episode 18, Oct. 4 2024

    In this episode, we travel to southern Ohio, speak with one of the largest plasticulture strawberry growers, Mr. Brad Bapst, who shares his journey and insights on growing strawberries. We also hear from Mr. Thomas Harker, who discusses how the strawberry research conducted at the Ohio State University South Centers impacts strawberry production in the area.

    49 min

  4. 05/03/2024

    Interview with Dr. Marvin Pritts: Strawberry Production in the Northeast | Episode 17, May 1 2024

    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Marvin Pritts from Cornell University. We discuss the new edition of the Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada. Dr. Marvin introduces us to the plasticulture day-neutral strawberry product system he has been researching recently. He also shares his research and thoughts on nutrient management, winter protection, fruit quality, and pollination. Dr. Marvin did most of the research at USDA Hardiness Zone 5b.

    52 min

  5. 01/25/2024

    Farmer Interview with Nick Garza and Marie O'Neill: High Tunnel Strawberry Production at Diversified Small Farms | Episode 14, Aug. 21 2023

    The next two episodes are interviews with two small-scale, diversified urban farms using organic practices. The farmers participated in on-farm trials with Wenjing on the project ‘Enhance Strawberry Production in North Central Region through Tunnel-based Systems’ supported by North-Central SARE. Both the farmers are new to growing strawberries, and they grow the crops in caterpillar tunnels. They shared their experience and thought about growing strawberries. This interview is with Nic and Marie, owners of the Outlier Farm in Bloomington, IN.

    22 min

  6. 11/10/2023

    Interview with Drs. Mary Rogers and Andy Petran: Day-Neutral Strawberry Production in Minnesota I Episode 16, Nov. 10 2023

    We featured day-neutral strawberry production in this episode. We invited guests from Minnesota. Dr. Mary Rogers is an associate professor studying organic horticulture and IPM at the University of Minnesota. She has done various research about day-neutral strawberry production. Dr. Andy Petran is the founder of Twin Cities Berry Co. Andy did his Ph.D. research on day-neutral strawberries and recently started his own farm growing this crop. Richard Barnes founded Tanglewood Berry Farm in Fort Wayne, IN. He has been in the fruit-producing business for 20 years. Andy and Richard shared their production systems and thoughts for growing day-neutral strawberries in the Hardiness Zones 4 and 5. Mary gave us insights on IPM. Wenjing commented on her experience of growing day-neutral strawberries in Zone 6.

    59 min

  7. 10/11/2023

    Interview with Dr. Dan Egel: Prevent Diseases in Strawberry Plug Production I Episode 15, Oct. 11 2023

    Planting strawberry plugs in plasticulture is attracting interest in Indiana. Some chose to grow strawberry plugs from runner tips. How to prevent diseases in plug production? We invited Dr. Dan Egel, Extension plant pathologist at Purdue, to discuss preventing diseases in strawberry plug production. This discussion benefits farmers growing strawberry plugs as well as transplants in general. Dan shared his recent publication with information on organic fungicides and the YouTube video about backpack and garden sprayers during the discussion. Efficacy of Selected Fungicides Listed for Organic Production for Tomato Disease ManagementProper Pesticide Applications in Greenhouses: EQUIPMENT

    44 min

  8. 08/22/2023

    Farmer Interview with David Robb | Episode 13, Aug. 21 2023

    The next two episodes are interviews with two small-scale, diversified urban farms using organic practices. The farmers participated in on-farm trials with Wenjing on the project ‘Enhance Strawberry Production in North Central Region through Tunnel-based Systems’ supported by North-Central SARE. Both the farmers are new to growing strawberries, and they grow the crops in caterpillar tunnels. They shared their experience and thought about growing strawberries. This interview is with David Robb, owner of Eden Prairie Farm in Eden, IN, close to Indianapolis.

    20 min
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About

Strawberry Chat is a virtual discussion about strawberry production in Indiana and neighboring states. We invite guests to discuss various topics related to strawberry production in the lower Midwest. The podcast was based on research activities supported by grant funding, including the NC-SARE Project LNC21-454; SCRI (Grant No. 2021-51181-35858/project accession no. 1027430); ISDA Specialty Crops Block Grant Program.

Information

  • Creator
    Wenjing Guan and Miranda Purcell
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Wenjing Guan and Miranda Purcell
  • Show Website
    Strawberry Chat