Propagation of strawberries with aeroponics

Added on 24 October 2023

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Propagation of strawberries with aeroponics

At LettUs Grow, a large portion of the work is dedicated to exploring the potential of controlled environment agriculture beyond growing herbs, salads and leafy greens. By using aeroponic technology at key stages of plant development, particularly during propagation phases, we can potentially increase the productivity, efficiency and sustainability of the growth cycles for many different plants. During this set of trials, we explore propagating strawberries in an aeroponic indoor farm.

Problems with growing the UK’s favourite fruit

Approximately 85% of UK-grown strawberries are grown from imported plants. The UK imports ~£180 million of strawberries every year, which accounts for 32% of the market. The overall quality and consistency of propagated plant material is not always high - and plant health or stability results in a large amount of plant waste and money lost. Therefore, propagating in the UK could not only reduce food miles, but produce better quality plants for growers, more sustainably, by using aeroponics.

What is aeroponics?

Aeroponics is a method of growing crops without soil. Water and nutrients are controlled and delivered directly to plant roots using a mist, which is generated using ultrasonic technology. This method of irrigation boosts plant yields and growth rates by allowing plant roots to access high oxygen levels, which helps them to grow healthier and faster. By using aeroponics at key stages within the strawberry growth cycle, we hoped to demonstrate that this method could reduce waste and increase profit margins for strawberry growers.

LettUsGROW strawberry trials

There are different developmental stages when it comes to growing strawberries. You begin with a tissue culture mother plant, which grows until it produces runners. These then produce daughters, also known as tips. These tips then go on to become plants that will grow the fruit.