NASGA Research Grants

The NASGA Research Grants aim to enhance strawberry production sustainability in North America by addressing critical research priorities, including cultivar development, pest management, and production efficiency. Proposals that improve fruit quality, reduce environmental impacts, and align with growers' needs are prioritized. The program welcomes submissions from all researchers, with a focus on innovative solutions that promote economic viability and environmental stewardship in the strawberry industry.

NASGA supports a wide range of research with the aim of improving the sustainability of strawberry production in North America (high quality fruit, produced economically, with minimal environmental impact). The following  priorities have been determined by the Research Committee to be the greatest concerns to strawberry growers; however, proposals that do not address these needs will also be considered.
Funding Priorities
Cultivar Development and TestingImprove diversity of the strawberry germplasm.Develop rapid, accurate screening techniques to aid in the production of cultivars which are adapted to specific regions of North America, productive under specific cultural conditions, tolerant of abiotic stresses and resistant to major disease and insect pests.Develop cultivars with increased fruit size and quality, an extended season, consistency of production.Pest Management StrategiesDevelop integrated control measures, and determine their influence on food safety and environmental quality.Develop alternatives to chemical soil fumigation.Develop monitoring systems, economic thresholds and management plans to aid in the control of important insect, disease and weed pests, while maintaining product safety and minimizing environmental damage. Particularly troublesome pests and diseases include tarnished plant bug, spotted wing drosophila, cyclamen mite, sting nematode, brown Marmorated stink bug, mites, Phytophthora, Verticillium, anthracnose, angular leaf spot, black root rot, Botrytis in organic or extended-season production systems and many weed species.Assist in the testing of new chemistries and biological controls for strawberry pests.- Understanding the biology as well as Management and Control of Cyclamen mite at both the nursery and grower fields.Production Efficiency and Profitability Determine the precise nutrient needs of the strawberry plant over time and identify effective methods of delivering the nutrients to the plant.Timing and rates of application of micronutrients for maximizing yield of high capacity varieties.Develop methodology to extend the marketing season.Develop or refine production technology that will result in increased fruit quality, productivity and profitability for the grower, and/or reduce environmental impacts.Special NeedsIdentify practices and technologies that reduce risks of microbiological contamination of strawberry fruit due to exposure to pathogens from handlers and/or animals along the supply chain.

Eligibility

NASGA will consider paying a portion of facilities costs and fees that are directly associated with the administration of awards.You do not have to be a member of NASGA to submit proposals and receive research grants.If you are not a member of NASGA, consider joining our organization.The Committee looks favorably upon projects considered worthy by other institutions that provide matching funds.

Ineligibility

NASGA and its Research Foundation do not pay indirect costs on awards.