Healthy fields start below the surface. This side-by-side in peppers shows how soil fumigation with chloropicrin can improve soil health, reduce disease pressure, and support stronger crop growth.

TriEst Ag Group specializes in soil fumigation, irrigation, crop nutrition, equipment, grafted plants, polytunnels, substrate, and associated growing systems for growers in the Mid-South, Georgia, Florida, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, and Northeast Regions.

As we celebrate America's favorite berry, let's dive into a recent report by the California Strawberry Commission. The recently-released report highlights that strawberry production continues to grow—reinforcing just how important this specialty crop is to U.S. agriculture.

Industry data shows U.S. strawberry production has exceeded 2.6–2.7 billion pounds annually, with California supplying roughly 90% of the crop and Florida supporting key winter production windows.

Strawberry production in the Santa Maria Valley has increased significantly in recent years, with growers expanding acreage and output to meet strong market demand.

The region produced approximately 88.6 million trays last year, up from 82.8 million the year before, showing continued year-over-year growth.

Strawberries remain the top-value crop in the Santa Maria region, with growers continuing to invest in expanded production and new growing systems to improve supply and sustainability.

With demand rising and production concentrated in high-value regions, consistency, quality, and efficiency have never been more important.

That’s why many growers prioritize pre-plant soil preparation with TELONE™ by Teleos soil fumigant.

Strawberries are highly susceptible to plant-parasitic nematodes, which can reduce root efficiency, limit nutrient uptake, and impact yield and fruit quality—often before symptoms are visible aboveground. But success in strawberries starts belowground.

By reducing nematode pressure early, TELONE™ supports stronger root systems that improve efficiency—supporting better water and nutrient use, reduced reliance on inputs, and improved crop performance. All of this contributes to improved berry quality, increased yields, and better grower ROI.

In a crop where quality and timing are everything, a strong start is key. That's why grower in the know prep with TELONE™.

On this International Workers' Day, we recognize those who, with effort and daily dedication, advance agriculture throughout South America. Their work is the foundation for stronger crops, healthier soils, and a more sustainable future.

Today we reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting their work with solutions that boost their productivity and take care of each crop from the root.

Florida strawberry growers know nematodes don’t stay near the surface—they move deeper into the soil profile, often below the traffic pan where many applications can’t reach.

That’s where deep-shank TELONE™ by Teleos soil fumigant comes in.

Research from the University of Florida shows that applying TELONE™ at deeper depths can significantly improve control—reaching nematodes where they live and reducing both nematode pressure and Fusarium wilt incidence.

Key takeaways:

• Nematodes often reside below the traffic pan
• Deep-shank applications reach deeper zones where other methods may not
• Reduced nematode counts and disease pressure support stronger plant establishment

In high-value crops like strawberries, what happens belowground early in the season sets the tone for everything that follows.

Remember, there’s no coming back from a poor start.

To learn more about deep-shank TELONE™ applications and efficacy, check out Dr. Gary Vallad's presentation on Upping the Game: Strategies to Improve Pre-Plant Fumigation.