New “plant armor” more than triples strawberry yields

A new protective fabric boosted strawberry yields by as much as 3.56 times while blocking insects and still allowing sunlight, rain, and airflow to reach the plants. Originally inspired by research on military clothing, Plant Armor could also help farms reduce pesticide and water use. New “plant armor” more than triples strawberry yields.

New “plant armor” more than triples strawberry yields Science News from research organizations New “plant armor” more than triples strawberry yields Date: October 1, 2026 56 times while blocking insects and still allowing sunlight, rain, and airflow to reach the plants. The new technology raised berry yields by as much as 3.56 times in tunnel field tests. Researchers say the technology may also offer a way to reduce water use and reliance on pesticides in strawberry production.

The fabric, called Plant Armor, aims to be placed directly over strawberry plants. Its three dimensional structure creates a barrier that keeps insects from reaching the plants, while the layered material still allows sunlight, rain, and air to pass through. In tunnel field tests, strawberries protected by Plant Armor produced yields as much as 3.56 times higher than uncovered plants.

The fabric did not reduce light availability or negatively affect relative humidity.