Lots and lots of rain! Caneberries beware!

Todays, National Weather Service forecast for NC and adjacent states. 

The last 5 or so days have been very rainy in most of the state of NC.  The forecast for the upcoming days includes more rain. Although we need the rain, the prolonged wet periods can be problematic for caneberry (and lots of other) plants. Growers should be aware that wet soils and plant surfaces can be a problem, mostly diseases, for caneberries. Here is a repost from 2012 detailing some of the potential issues and what can be done.

http://teamrubus.blogspot.com/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-aftermath.html

Rotating Cross Arm Trellis in the news

Apache flowering in vertical position on RCA trellis at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, NC.

Blackberry plants on a RCA trellis is covered to protect canes from winter injury at the Peidmont Research Station in Salisbury, NC. 

In a recent article, the Agricultural Research Service horticulturist Fumiomi Takeda of the Appalachian Fruit Research Station shows how a rotating cross-arm (RCA) trellis and cane-training system to help growers overcome environmental challenges, produce more fruit, and reduce labor.

To read how the trellis can help growers in the midwest minimize cold damage and those in the south, decrease fruit discoloration, click on this link:

http://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/2015/aug/blackberry/#printdiv

Caneberry Checklist Fall 2015

Plant growth and development

ü  Primocanes continue to grow but growth rate is slower

ü  Flower buds start to form in leaf axils on summer-fruiting types

ü  Carbohydrates and nutrients in canes begin to move into the roots

ü  Primocane fruiting types begin to flower in late summer/early fall and fruit matures until frost in fall

ü  Primocane leaves senesce late fall

Harvest

ü  Primocane-fruiting raspberry harvest

ü  Primocane-fruiting blackberry harvest

Pruning, trellising and tunnels

ü  Spent floricanes should be removed as soon as possible

ü  Optimal time to prune is after the coldest part of the season is over. However pruning can start in late fall if plantings are large (late winter for smaller plantings).

ü  Start trellis repairs after plants have defoliated

ü  Remove covers on three-season tunnels

Weed management

ü  Many summer weed problems can be best managed in the fall and winter using preemergent herbicides. Determine what weeds have been or could be a problem in your area. Check with your states agricultural chemical manual and local extension agent for the best-labeled chemicals to control these weeds.

Insect and disease scouting

ü  Continue scouting for insects and diseases.

ü  Remove damaged canes as soon as possible to lessen the impact of the pest.

ü  Check the Southern Regional Bramble integrated Management Guide for recommendations.  http://www.smallfruits.org

Planting

ü  Growers in warmer areas (e.g. extreme southeastern NC) can plant into early December.  Preparations for winter planting should have already been made. If you have questions about winter planting please contact your local county extension agent

ü  In cooler areas, prepare list of ­cultivars for next spring’s new plantings. Find a commercial small fruit nursery list at http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/berry/nurseries/

Fertilizer

ü  Take soil tests to determine fertility needs for spring plantings.

ü  Non-nitrogenous fertilizers are best applied in the fall to established plantings.

ü  If soil is bare, plant an overwintering cover crop (e.g. rye) to build organic matter and slow soil erosion.

Marketing and miscellaneous

ü  Order containers for next season

ü  Make contacts for selling fruit next season

Make plans to attend Grower meetings! Blackberries and raspberries are part or all of these programs.

• 2016 North American Raspberry & Blackberry Conference:  March 2-4, 2016 at Colonial Williamsburg, in Williamsburg, Virginia.
• Southeast Regional Conference and Tradeshow, with sessions on blackberry

JANUARY 7-10, 2016, at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center http://www.seregionalconference.com/hotel-info/

Key Resources:

Southern Region Integrated Bramble Management Guide and the Southeast Regional Bramble Production Guide: http://www.smallfruits.org/SmallFruitsRegGuide/index.htm

Blackberry and Raspberry Grower Information Portal:

http://rubus.ces.ncsu.edu

Social Media links:

Twitter: @NCTeamRubus  

Facebook : Team Rubus   

Blogs: http://teamrubus.blogspot.com/