California strawberries are about to get tastier and more environmentally friendly

The strawberries at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, in San Francisco, Calif. The strawberries at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, in San Francisco, Calif. Photo: Santiago Mejia, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Santiago Mejia, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close California strawberries are about to get tastier and more environmentally friendly 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

Did you know that almost 90 percent of American strawberries are grown in California? If so, did you also know that the University of California, Davis is responsible for developing about 60 percent of California's strawberry varieties?

In the latest news from these strawberry connoisseurs, scientists at UC Davis have developed five new types of the berry set to hit the market this fall.

"These new varieties are intrinsically different from the ones they replace," said Steve Knapp, professor and director of the UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program, according to a news story on the UC Davis site. "After more than three years of field tests, we're seeing higher yields, greater disease resistance and better quality after harvest."

Researchers say these new strawberries are the best of both worlds: the strawberries will use less water, fertilizer and pesticides and still produce more, healthier, higher-quality strawberries. It will also save farmers money — the strawberries are more resistant to disease, and two of the new varieties have the potential to increase yields by nearly 30 percent.

"The price and quality of strawberries improve when farmers have access to varieties that help them grow better berries more cost efficiently," Dave Murray, a farmer and partner in Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce, told UC Davis.

Each variety is catered to a different farming niche. Three of the new varieties — Moxie, Royal Royce and Valiant — are designed to grow well during long, warm summer days. The other two varieties, Victor and Warriors, will thrive in cooler climates along California's coast.

So, how do you get your hands on these large, juicy, environmentally conscious strawberries? Well, farmers will be able to buy all of the new varieties at nurseries starting this fall. And more new fruits are on the way; the UC Davis Strawberry Breeding Program anticipates releasing one or two additional varieties sometime in early 2020.

Madeline Wells is an SFGate editorial assistant. Email: madeline.wells@sfgate.com | Twitter: @madwells22