Blackberry and Raspberry Seasonal Checklist Fall 2017
Gina Fernandez,
Small Fruit Specialist, North Carolina State University
Check
out the new look to the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium website at: http://www.smallfruits.org/
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 continues
ü Primocane-fruiting
blackberry harvest continues
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 Prepare a list
of cultivars for next spring’s new plantings. Find commercial caneberry nursery
lists at
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 Raspberry
and Blackberry Association
- February 21-24, 2018:
North American Raspberry & Blackberry Conference, Ventura, California. A not-to-be-missed meeting, in a great
location! Mark your calendar, and watch for more information. Opening
reception Feb. 21, tour on Feb. 22, and educational sessions and
tradeshow on Feb 23-24. The conference will be at the Ventura Beach Marriott. You
can already make online hotel reservations under our group rate.
- Southeast Regional Conference and Tradeshow,
Savannah, GA January 11-12, 2018
- Sessions on blackberry
and strawberry, blueberry, muscadines and more!
o
Caneberry Sessions Organized by
NARBA. Program coming soon; contact NARBA for details. The conference includes tracks for peaches,
blueberries, strawberries, organics, vegetables, and more. For more conference
info, registration, and hotel reservations, visit www.seregionalconference.com
Key Resources:
Southern Region
Integrated Bramble Management Guide:
Blackberry and
Raspberry Grower Information
·
University of Arkansas https://www.uaex.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/horticulture/commercial-fruit-production/blackberries-production.aspx
Social Media
links:
Twitter: @NCTeamRubus
Facebook : Team Rubus
Blogs: http://teamrubus.blogspot.com/
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