North Carolina State University develops fabric to triple strawberry yields

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed an innovative multi-layered fabric called ‘Plant Armor’ that can more than triple strawberry yields. The three-dimensional material is spread directly over crops, allowing air, water, and light to pass through while effectively blocking pests.

In field tests, strawberry plants protected by the fabric produced up to 3.56 times more healthy fruit by mass and number compared to unprotected plants. The technology also has the potential to significantly reduce the use of pesticides and water.

While researchers initially feared the fabric might trigger ‘Shade Avoidance Syndrome’—where plants prioritize stem and leaf growth over fruit due to low light—tests showed no such negative effect. Instead, the fabric caused a slight increase in temperature around the plants, which researchers believe may have accelerated development and fruiting. North Carolina State University has patented the material and granted licenses for commercial development.