Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a protective fabric designed to enhance strawberry production while maintaining plant health. The material, branded Plant Armor, is placed directly over strawberry plants and uses a three-dimensional structure to block insects from accessing the crops while permitting sunlight, rainfall, and air circulation.
During tunnel field tests, strawberry plants protected by Plant Armor produced yields up to 3.56 times higher than uncovered control plants. The fabric did not reduce light availability or negatively impact humidity levels. Lead researcher Gabriel Olawuyi noted that the textile created an unexpected benefit by generating a warming effect that helped plants reach the fruiting stage earlier than unprotected plants. This accelerated maturation resulted from the fabric’s ability to enhance accumulated heat, which plants require to progress through various developmental phases.
The technology originated from research aimed at improving military uniforms by making them more resistant to mosquito bites and enhancing comfort for soldiers wearing body armor. Through iterative development and cross-disciplinary collaboration, scientists adapted the military textile technology for agricultural applications. Co-author R. Michael Roe emphasized that the discovery demonstrates how research collaboration across different scientific fields can yield unexpected practical applications.
Beyond yield increases, the physical barrier created by Plant Armor reduces the need for conventional pesticide applications, as insects cannot reach the plants. The fabric also appears to offer potential water conservation benefits in strawberry cultivation. The research was published in the journal Agriculture and was supported by grants from the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. North Carolina State University holds the patent for Plant Armor Gen 2 and has licensed the technology for commercial development.
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