Many
of us in the south are recovering from the wrath of Hurricanes Florence and
Michael. In parts of eastern NC, soils were saturated with the storm, and then
had additional flooding as the rivers continued 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/2018/09/hurricane-florence-2018.html.
In January, the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association will be meeting in Savannah. This is looking to be a great meeting for growers and we expect many folks from the west coast to join us as well. Information on the program and registration is listed below.
Here are things to do for this season....
In January, the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association will be meeting in Savannah. This is looking to be a great meeting for growers and we expect many folks from the west coast to join us as well. Information on the program and registration is listed below.
Here are things to do for this season....
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 https://blogs.cornell.edu/berrynurseries/
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/ Southeast
Regional Conference and Tradeshow, Savannah, GA
- Sessions on blackberry,
raspberry, and strawberry, blueberry, muscadines and more!
- January 9-12, 2019, at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Key Resources:
Southern Region
Integrated Bramble Management Guide:
Southeast
Regional Caneberry Production Guide:
Blackberry and
Raspberry Grower Information Portal:
Social Media
links:
Twitter: @NCTeamRubus
Facebook : Team Rubus
Blogs: http://teamrubus.blogspot.com/
