Blackberry and Raspberry Seasonal Checklist Fall 2016
Gina Fernandez,
Small Fruit Specialist, North Carolina State University
Many
of us are recovering from the wrath of Hurricane Matthew. I posted some
information on the Team Rubus Blog prior to the storm. In parts of eastern NC, soils are saturated
and there is still a threat of additional flooding as the rivers continue to
fill with water from the tributaries. There is some information in the blog
post on how to dealing with flooded berry fields. http://teamrubus.blogspot.com/2016/10/hurricane-matthew-preparation-for.html
The
NC State University Extension has a new look to their portals. Check out the
Blackberry and Raspberry Portal here. https://rubus.ces.ncsu.edu
The
Northwest Berry Foundation has a great newsletter that focuses on production
issues in the Pacific Northwest. However, they pull information from a range of
sources, and many of the articles are relevant for all berry growers. It comes
out on a weekly basis during the production season and less often during the
off-season. Here is a link to the most current newsletter. therea are a couple
of articles on labor situations on the west coast. http://www.nwberryfoundation.org/sfu.html
FALL
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.
- North American Berry
Conference, Grand Rapids MI
- December 4-6, 2016. Because the Great
Lakes Expo is held in December, we actually have TWO conferences in
one calendar year — this December meeting will replace our Winter 2017
conference, which would typically be held in January or February.
- This year NARBA is
meeting jointly with the North American Strawberry Association (NADSGA),
in association with the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market
Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- This is a highly
regarded regional meeting that attracts more than 4000 participants and
450 exhibitors. It is one of the largest trade shows for fruit and
vegetable growers, greenhouse growers and farm marketers in North
America!
- http://www.raspberryblackberry.com/2016-north-american-berry-conference/
- Southeast Regional Conference and Tradeshow,
Savannah, GA
- Sessions on blackberry
and strawberery, blueberry, muscadines and more!
- January 5-8, 2017, at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
- Registration and program
information can be found at
- http://www.seregionalconference.com
- Video of past conference
- https://vimeo.com/174265440
Key Resources:
Southern Region
Integrated Bramble Management Guide:
http://www.smallfruits.org/SmallFruitsRegGuide/Guides/2016/2016BrambleSprayGuide.pdf
Southeast
Regional Bramble Production Guide: http://www.smallfruits.org/SmallFruitsRegGuide/index.htm
Blackberry and
Raspberry Grower Information Portal:
Social Media
links:
Twitter: @NCTeamRubus
Facebook : Team Rubus
Blogs: http://teamrubus.blogspot.com/
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