ISHS Acta Horticulturae 112: Symposium on Breeding and Machine Harvesting of Rubus
TWENTY YEARS OF RED RASPBERRY RESEARCH IN SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON STATE |
| Author: | P.C. Crandall |
| Abstract:
Irrigation of red raspberries usually increases fruit size and the number and vigor of primocanes. This results in greater yield and tends to even out year-to-year fluctuations in yield. Correct timing of irrigation and the amount of water to be applied can be determined from evaporation pan data. Fruitfulness is the result of cane number, number of fruiting laterals, berries per lateral, and the size of berries. Pruning and training systems that distribute the fruiting surface more uniformly increase yields. The time of flower bud initiation can be influenced by cultural practices during late summer and fall. The advantages of earlier bud development may be altered by cultural practices during the spring. Cane number, cane height, irrigation, fertilizers and chemical primocane suppression all interact during the spring growth period to influence yields. Research into the physiology of yield components during the spring growth period has great potential for increasing yields. Research with training systems led to the development of an experimental mechanical harvester and research on problems associated with mechanical harvesting. These developments caused many growers to build their own machines and ultimately led to the construction of commercial harvesters. Good sources of resistance to root rot have been isolated and the plant breeders are currently incorporating this resistance into commercial cultivars. | |
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