EXTENSION OF THE RASPBERRY SEASON WITH COLD STORED PLANTS

The quality of the plant material is very important. The canes must be strong, 1.4 or 1.5 m long, and with strong buds over the whole length. Because of Botrytis-infections the plants must be stored at -2 °C with foliage covering. Before planting the plants should stay for 10 or 14 days at 3 °C, otherwise you can lose a high percentage.

The harvest starts 10 or 11 weeks after planting. Under the very hot conditions in 1992 this period was 2 weeks shorter. The harvest period depends on the cultivar and varies between the years. The Canadian selection '71/11/153' has a short period with a strong peak. 'Glen Prosen' shows the other extreme. The highest yields with 900 and 600 g per cane in the last two years gave 'Glen Prosen'.

Fruit size and fruit releasing are a little bit reduced. The fruits become darker and by 'Glen Prosen' more hoary. Unfavourable is the comparatively extensive harvest work.

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