Successful cold storage of blackberry and raspberry plants

Each year, raspberry and blackberry growers experience multiple plant health problems associated with cold storage including fungal infections, poor bud break and even complete plant loss.
Cold storage of plant material is expensive and risky.
The development of a good strategy that limits plant quality loss due to refrigeration is therefore important.
During a four-year study, several parameters were optimized to reduce plant loss after cold storage.
The study evaluated cropping techniques during the nursery phase and the cooling process.
For example: Plant material should be packed in dry conditions.
Wet packing of plants (in rain or high RH) will give fungi a greater opportunity to infect and spread.
It is also recommended that packing material is sufficiently perforated.
A completely sealed bag can lead to an accumulation of CO₂, heat and moisture, especially at the beginning of the cooling process, when the plant is still warm and active.
A dynamic chilling pattern is generally recommended.
Dropping in too large increments creates a temperature shock causing chill injury.
High CO₂ concentrations during storage is detrimental to bud break and subsequent production in blackberry and raspberry.
These guidelines were compiled in a guide: preservation of plant material for cold storage.

XXXI International Horticultural Congress (IHC2022): International Symposium on Innovative Technologies and Production Strategies for Sustainable Controlled Environment Horticulture

F. De Vis, A. Schenk, D. Bylemans

refrigeration, guidelines, plant loss, chill injury, packaging, bud break, chilling pattern

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1377.61