Petran, Andrew2016-08-192016-08-192016-04https://hdl.handle.net/11299/181648University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation.April 2016. Major: Applied Plant Sciences. Advisor: Emily Hoover. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 184 pages.The common cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is a popular, nutritious and valuable crop. Organic strawberry production in particular shows potential for increased environmental, economic and nutritional benefits. However while they are available throughout the world, production of profitable day-neutral strawberry cultivars is commercially viable only within specific environmental ranges. This thesis explores the underlying genetics that lead to day-neutrality within strawberry and documents efforts to expand commercial production of organic, day-neutral cultivars in the Upper Midwest United States. It also observes the effect of post-tillage mulching practices on soil health indicators within strawberry production systems.enThesis or Dissertation