Search Results (10)

Healthy plant material that is uniform and genetically pure is essential for the successful raspberries production since it guarantees quality and consistent yields. A 4-year study (2018–2021) focused on raspberry cultivars “Meeker” and “Willamette”, which were propagated by tissue culture (MpP) and root suckering (RsP) methods in three irrigation regimes (IR1-100% ETc, IR2-50% ETc, and IR3-25% ETc). “Meeker” had longer primocanes, higher productivity, sweetness, soluble solids, and sugar content in IR1. Micropropagated plants demonstrated initially longer primocanes (177.9 cm in 2018 and 203.5 cm in 2019) and slightly better productivity compared to root-suckered plants. Over time, the growth rates of plants obtained by two vegetative propagation methods became similar. The IR1 irrigation regime maximized yields per floricane and meter of trellis in 2019 and 2021 (619.8 and 501.9 g and 2.5 and 2.0 kg, respectively), providing sufficient water for raspberry plants. IR1 improved primocane height in 2018 and 2021 (181.3 and 238.3 cm), fruiting lateral length (31 cm), and number of flowers per fruiting lateral (10.7) in 2021. In all experimental years, “Meeker” showed a high sweetness index (8.53, 11.28, and 9.36) due to high sugar and low acid content, but it was sensitive to water deficit. “Willamette” maintained high total anthocyanins and stable sugar content, which emphasizes its adaptability to different conditions. Both cultivars showed high antioxidant activity with variability across study years. Antioxidant activity peaked in 2019 under all irrigation regimes and remained stable in 2021. The cultivar “Meeker” excelled in vegetative growth, productivity, and fruit taste, making it suitable for obtaining high yields in a 100% ETc irrigation level. In contrast, “Willamette” is better suited for obtaining high-quality fruit under water-limited conditions. Full article

Remontant raspberry cultivars originally produce fruit in the upper part of primocanes in the fall, but if retained over winter, they can produce a second crop in the lower part of the floricanes the following spring. Maintaining remontant cultivars to yield twice during the cane’s growth cycle corresponds to a double-cropping system, which enables an increase in the total yield and the extension of the fruiting season. To date, there is little information on changes in fruit quality between primocane and floricane crops. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate variations in the content of sugars and organic acids, fruit weight, color and textural and sensorial attributes among five newly introduced remontant raspberry cultivars (‘Dafne’, ‘Kokanee’, ‘Paris’, ‘Versailles’ and ‘Primalba’) and the control cultivar ‘Enrosadira’. The specific aim was to evaluate how a double-cropping system in each cultivar may affect the variability in quality traits between primocane and floricane crops. The results showed a significant increase in fruit weight and individual and total sugar content in primocane crops, while significantly brighter red-colored and firmer fruits were observed in floricane crops. Cultivars did not differ from the control regarding total sugar content and sweetness index, while the content of individual sugars caused greater variations. The highest content of citric, malic and total acid (9.74, 1.42 and 11.25 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW, respectively) were recorded in ‘Paris’, by which this cultivar was the only one distinguished from the control. ‘Dafne’ and ‘Versailles’ exhibited better internal and external fruit quality on primocanes, having significantly larger fruits (6.83 g and 6.37 g, respectively) and twice the increased sugar content. The lowest fruit weight was observed in ‘Kokanee’ for both primocane (4.63 g) and floricane (3.65 g) crops. ‘Kokanee’ and ‘Primalba’ also performed worse than the control for most sensory attributes in both seasons. Based on the analysis of the overall fruit quality linked to the appearance-, texture- and taste-related attributes that affect consumer preference, cultivars ‘Enrosadira’, ‘Versailles’ and ‘Dafne’ stood out, while ‘Paris’ showed high uniformity in fruit quality between crops, but scored the worst according to the total quality index. Full article

Efficiently managing agricultural systems necessitates accurate data collection from crops to examine phenotypic characteristics and improve productivity. Traditional data collection processes for specialty horticultural crops are often subjective, labor-intensive, and may not provide accurate information for precise management decisions in phenotypic studies and crop production. Reliable and standardized techniques to record and evaluate crop features using agricultural technology are essential for improving agricultural systems. The objective of the research was to develop a methodology for accurate measurement of blackberry flowers and vegetation coverage using UAV remote sensing and image analysis. The UAV captured 20,812 images in the visible spectrum, and ImageJ software (version 1.54k) was used for segmenting floral and vegetative coverage to calculate variety-specific flower coverage. A moderately strong positive correlation (r = 0.71) was found between flower-to-vegetation ratio (FVR) and visually estimated flower area, validating UAV-derived flower coverage as a reliable method for estimating flower density in blackberries. The regression model explained 51% of the variance in flower estimates (R² = 0.51), with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.79 flower/cm². Additionally, distinct temporal flowering patterns were observed between primocane- and floricane fruiting blackberries. Vegetative growth also exhibited stability, with strong correlations between consecutive weeks. The temporal analysis provided insight into growth phases and flowering peaks critical for time-sensitive management practices. UAV computer vision for quantifying blackberry phenotypic features is an effective tool and a unique methodology that speeds up the data collection process at high accuracy for breeding research and farm data management. Full article

Blackberry cultivation presents significant opportunities for fruit growers in subtropical regions, where nitrogen (N) is identified as a crucial macronutrient for optimal production. Given the variability in climate and soil conditions, determining the ideal N fertilizer amount can be complex. Effective blackberry cultivation requires careful attention to the principles of nutrient stewardship, including the selection of appropriate N sources, application rates, timing, and placement. Recommended N rates generally range from 25–45 kg/ha in the first year and 45–70 kg/ha in subsequent years, with adjustments based on plant type and regional conditions. The choice of fertilizer, particularly NH₄⁺, is beneficial for blackberry plants, which thrive in acidic soils and show improved biomass and chlorophyll levels with this form of N. Research on N-cycling reveals its importance in supporting new plant growth, such as primocane development. However, improper N management, either excessive or insufficient, can negatively impact flower bud production and, consequently, fruit setting and yield. By using databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, this review synthesizes existing research on the role of N in blackberry cultivation, emphasizing the importance of precise fertilization practices tailored to regional climate and soil conditions. By highlighting variations in recommended N amounts and underscoring the principles of nutrient stewardship, this review aims to guide growers in achieving sustainable and high-quality blackberry production. Full article

Blackberries are a valuable crop that has a positive effect on human health due to its fruits’ antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties. The main goal of the research was to compare the fruit parameters of modern blackberry varieties. The experiment involved six varieties of blackberries: ‘Natchez’, ‘Loch Tay’, ‘Brzezina’, ‘Black Gem’, ‘Heaven Can Wait’, and ‘Ouachita’. The data were collected in 2021–2022 in the Rostov region of Russia. On one hectare, 3000 plants with trellises were planted. To prevent winter damage, the plants were covered for the winter period with a non-woven covering material with a density of 60 g/m². To assess the quality of the fruits, harvesting was carried out from seven to nine in the morning once every 5–6 days. The results showed that the most productive varieties are the ‘Loch Tay’ (4.8 kg/bush), ‘Black Gem’ (4.2 kg/bush), ‘Heaven Can Wait’ (3.9 kg/bush), and ‘Ouachita’ (3.8 kg/bush) varieties. The heaviest fruits are as follows: ‘Natchez’ (13.3 g), ‘Black Gem’ (11.2 g), and ‘Ouachita’ (10.3 g). The varieties with the highest amount of sugar are the following: ‘Black Gem’ (14.7 Brix), ‘Ouachita’ (13.4 Brix), ‘Loch Tay’ (12.9 Brix), and ‘Heaven Can Wait’ (11.6 Brix). In terms of the combination of the parameters, the most promising varieties for industrial production in this region are the ‘Ouachita’, ‘Black Gem’, ‘Loch Tay’, and ‘Heaven Can Wait’ varieties. Medium and strong relationships were established between the parameters of the fruits and the elemental composition of the leaves. During the study, we also developed systems of equations for predicting the parameters of a berry based on the content of one or another macro and microelement of a leaf; these systems are suitable for both the manual calculations in nurseries and the correcting of programs for the automated determination of fruit quality and the calculation of productivity in large industrial farms. The obtained data will make it possible to increase the blackberry production area in Russia from 4.34% to 22.06% in various growing regions. Full article

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a major invasive pest of caneberries (e.g., blackberries and raspberries) and other thin-skinned fruit crops. In recent years, it has been reported as an economically important fruit pest in many countries. In caneberries, the timely detection and management of invasive insect pests such as D. suzukii is important to maintain profitability and avoid fruit export restriction. Invasions by such new pest species in commercial crop production often changes pesticide use patterns and frequency as growers try to control pest populations on their farms. In this study, we examined the seasonal population of D. suzukii and pesticide use patterns before and after D. suzukii invasion in primocane-fruiting raspberry and floricane-fruiting blackberry crop production in Pennsylvania. The results of seasonal monitoring conducted over two years showed higher populations of D. suzukii fruit flies during the settle period. The evaluation of crop-specific pesticide programs showed an increase in pesticide use frequency compared to the crop season before D. suzukii invasion in the blackberry planting. Similarly, over a five-fold increase in pesticide application was recorded in the raspberry planting in the year following invasion. The implications of increased pesticide use patterns in blackberry and raspberry production are discussed. Full article

Optimizing nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates maintains good red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) production while alleviating environmental risks. Although raspberry growers in Washington are using the caneberry nutrient management guides derived from western Oregon, these guides may not be appropriate for other production regions given the differences in climate, soil type, and crop productivity. However, limited research has been conducted to observe the impact of the N fertilizer rate on floricane red raspberry growth, yield, and fruit quality in Washington. The aim of this study is to evaluate the response of “Meeker” floricane red raspberries grown in northwest Washington, USA, to different N fertilizer rates in order to provide information for future local nutrient management guides. Treatments of urea (46% nitrogen (N)) were surface-applied to raised beds of established ‘Meeker’ raspberry plots at controls, low, medium, and high rates (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively) in 2019 and 2020. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications. Fruit yield and quality, plant growth and leaf tissue nutrient concentrations, and soil characteristics were evaluated. There were no N fertilizer rate treatment effects for the yield, fruit quality, plant growth, leaf tissue nutrient concentrations, and soil characteristics, except for fruit titratable acidity and soil ammonium (NH₄-N) concentrations. The lack of a plant response may be due to nutrients mineralized from soil organic matter (3.81–4.0%) and the utilization of plant nutrient reserves. Based on the results, the soil organic matter level and plant nutrient reserves should be considered when making nutrient management suggestions. Fertilizer costs as well as the potential for environmental pollution from excess fertilizers could be reduced through utilizing these two potential sources of nutrients. Furthermore, longer periods of research is warranted to understand how to adjust N fertilizer rates based on plant and soil characteristics while sustaining yields. Full article

The physical-geographical features of the mountainous area of Montenegro cause difficulties in farmers’ life and work. The organization of the agricultural production faces a number of problems that limit the overall development of rural areas. Some agricultural crops, such as raspberry, have found optimal growth conditions and produce appropriate yields associated with good fruit quality in such mountainous area. The Willamette variety dominates the production and has broadly expanded, as some new varieties, most notably, Tulameen, Fertȍdi Zamatos, and Glen Ample. The aim of this paper was to examine the biological and production characteristics of two raspberry varieties—one floricane (Tulameen) and one primocane (Polka)—grown in two localities. We confirmed the general rule that at lower altitudes, these varieties (570 m a.s.l, Bijelo Polje) are characterized by earlier vegetation, flowering, and fruit ripening in comparison to plants at higher altitude (1040 m a.s.l, Mojkovac). The Tulameen variety started flowering on 15 May in Bijelo Polje (the flowering phenophase lasted for 29 days, until 12 June) and on 25 May in Mojkovac (the flowering phenophase lasted for 27 days, until 20 June). That is a delay of 11 days in relation to different locations. The Polka variety started flowering on 25 June in Bijelo Polje (57 days, until 20 August) and on 1 July in Mojkovac (flowering for 67 days, until 5 September). That is a delay of 7 days. The Tulameen variety started maturation on 14 June in Bijelo Polje (maturation lasted for 27 days, until 10 July) and on 22 June in Mojkovac (26 days, until 17 July), with a delay of 9 days. The Polka variety started maturation on 23 July in Bijelo Polje (the maturation phenophase lasted for 55 days, until 15 September) and on 5 August in Mojkovac (52 days, until 25 September), with a delay of 14 days. The results showed that the Polka variety had significantly higher total phenol content than the Tulameen variety (4.43 and 4.03 mg, respectively). In terms of locality, the Mojkovac raspberries had higher total phenol content than the Bijelo Polje raspberries. Polka raspberries also had a higher content of total flavonoids than Tulameen, whereas differences between localities in regard to the content of total flavonoids in the fruit were not significant. The content of condensed tannins and gallotannins in the raspberry fruit was similar in relation to both varieties and localities. Finally, the total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in the Polka compared to the Tulameen variety, whereas the differences between localities were not statistically significant. Full article

Primocane-fruiting (PF) blackberries are adaptable to different production systems. To increase yields in PF blackberries, their primocanes are typically tipped or topped in summer to encourage branch formation from axillary buds below the cut. In this study, we determined in PF ‘Prime-Ark^® Traveler’ whether early emerging primocanes were more productive than those that emerged later in the season, and the effect of primocane bending and defoliation on flowering. The primocanes that emerged in April produced 64% more flower shoots than those that emerged after May. Also, these findings indicate the alternative primocane management practices of selecting the early emerging primocanes and bending to orient primocanes horizontally, and leaf removal to increase budbreak and flower shoot emergence. The present work contributes toward a better understanding of primocane emergence time and orientation–flowering relations, and how these factors mediate crop performance of PF blackberry. Full article

The floricane-fruiting, trailing blackberry (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus, Watson) cultivar Marion was evaluated in two plantings for the impact of floricane pruning date. This included leaving the dead canes unpruned and training new primocanes over the dead wood (new-over-old), primocane topping and suppression date in alternate year (AY) and every year (EY) production systems at various planting densities. The presence of primocanes during fruit development did not affect yield of the floricane in the current season but suppressing primocanes to June 30 in Oregon, USA, led to insufficient time for primocane growth, reducing yield of the floricane the following year by 36% relative to no primocane suppression. Pruning out senescing floricanes immediately after fruit harvest or later—thus allowing more time for remobilization of nutrients or reserves—had no impact on yield. However, yield in the new-over-old system was higher, likely due to less training damage to primocanes in this treatment. All of the AY treatments studied led to lower berry weight compared to EY production but this has not been an issue in the processed fruit market to date. Plants in AY production produced more canes per plant than in EY but at the industry standard spacing of 1.5 m, AY plants yielded only 60% to 66% more than EY plants in these studies, despite evidence of plants in AY production having greater cold hardiness. There was no significant effect of planting at higher density (0.6 and 0.9 m) on cumulative yield over 4 years. However, planting at 0.6 m and topping the primocanes to the top trellis wire (1.8 m) increased yield significantly compared to other AY treatments. This alternative production system may offer economic advantages to the 1.5 m EY or AY production systems through reducing management costs and allowing for mechanical pruning and training. Full article