Kenneth Parker, leading the Strawberry Growers Association, brings decades of experience from East Hillsborough County's strawberry fields. The region faced an unprecedented challenge with consecutive hurricanes disrupting the early season. According to Parker, this was a first for his generation, having strawberries in the ground during such events. The adverse weather led to a delay in planting, prompting a rush to harvest Florida's winter strawberries, which are anticipated to be exceptionally sweet due to recent cooler, yet non-freezing temperatures.
Vance Whitaker and research partner Cheryl, often referred to as strawberry scientists, are at the forefront of strawberry breeding at the University of Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Their work involves creating superior strawberry varieties through selective breeding, aiming for enhanced flavor, color, firmness, and shelf life. The latest variety, Encore, is highlighted for its potential excellence in these areas.
The science of strawberry breeding has evolved since the late 1800s, tracing back to when Henry Plant introduced a railroad spur in Plant City for transporting frozen berries northward. Continuous improvements have been made since, with current farms operating for over 120 years, showcasing the long-standing tradition and innovation within the strawberry industry in Florida.
Despite the setbacks from the hurricanes, the focus remains on delivering a successful crop for the upcoming Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, starting February 27. Parker emphasizes the importance of supporting Florida strawberries, signaling optimism for the season's yield and quality.
Source: FOX13