Key Takeaways:
- Who is involved? Ohalo Genetics, UF/IFAS, Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA).
- What is the agreement for? To develop and commercialize neopestalotiopsis-resistant strawberry varieties.
- Why is this important? Neopestalotiopsis is a destructive fungal disease affecting Florida strawberries, threatening yields and increasing production costs.
- Who benefits? Florida strawberry growers and the broader strawberry industry.
- What’s next? Experimental trials of resistant varieties to begin in 2025.
Ohalo Genetics Partners with UF to Develop Disease-Resistant Strawberries
Ohalo Genetics, Inc. (Profile) has entered into a Development & Commercialization Agreement with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) to address the growing threat of neopestalotiopsis to the Florida strawberry industry.
Neopestalotiopsis, first detected in Florida in 2017, has caused widespread crop damage, significantly affecting yields and increasing costs for farmers. By 2019 and 2020, the disease had become prevalent across the state, posing a severe challenge to growers in Florida, known as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the United States.”
Addressing a Critical Agricultural Challenge
Currently, no commercially available strawberry varieties are resistant to neopestalotiopsis. Farmers rely on fungicides and intensive management practices, which are costly and provide limited relief. Ohalo is leveraging its advanced breeding technology in collaboration with UF/IFAS to develop neopestalotiopsis-resistant strawberry plants by integrating novel traits into existing UF varieties.
Experimental trials for these resistant varieties are set to begin in 2025.
“This collaboration showcases the power of public-private partnerships in solving critical agricultural challenges,” said Jud Ward, CTO of Ohalo. “The Florida strawberry industry approached us with the urgent need to tackle neopestalotiopsis. By working with the Florida partners, we’re combining our proprietary breeding system with their agricultural expertise to create a sustainable, long-term solution.”
Key Benefits for Growers
The collaboration promises several key benefits for Florida’s strawberry industry:
- Mitigating Crop Losses – Resistant varieties are expected to reduce yield losses, ensuring more stable production.
- Reducing Production Costs – Lower reliance on fungicides and labor-intensive management will cut costs.
- Enhancing Fruit Quality – Healthier plants will yield higher-quality strawberries with better shelf life and marketability.
- Promoting Sustainability – Disease-resistant varieties align with environmentally friendly farming practices, reducing chemical inputs.
Industry Perspectives
Vance Whitaker, UF/IFAS horticultural sciences professor, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “This partnership achieves a timely solution for the benefit of our industry that would not have otherwise been possible.”
John Beuttenmuller, executive director of Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., added, “Our collaboration with Ohalo means growers will have access to resilient varieties, ensuring Florida strawberries remain a staple for years to come.”
Kenneth Parker, executive director of FSGA, highlighted the economic significance. “The Florida strawberry industry has always been innovative. This initiative will ensure its continued success, contributing to Florida’s $1 billion strawberry economy.”
