Articles
Identifying alternative management practices to promote blackberry lateral branch development
Article number
1388_26
Pages
171 – 176
Language
English
Abstract
Inadequate lateral branch development can reduce blackberry productivity and profitability.
In the southeastern United States, summer tipping and/or cane bending is conducted to promote lateral branching.
These practices are labor intensive and can increase risk of cane blight infection (Leptosphaeria coniothyrium). We conducted a series of experiments to identify alternative management practices to stimulate lateral branching of blackberry.
Multiple plant growth regulators (6-benzyladenine, GA3, GA4+7, and prohexadione calcium) and cultural practices (cane bending, cane number, and tipping) were evaluated; however, reliable induction of lateral branches was not observed.
Use of reflective groundcovers increased lateral branching and total linear bearing surface by ~40%. The effect of canopy light environment on lateral branching merits further investigation.
In the southeastern United States, summer tipping and/or cane bending is conducted to promote lateral branching.
These practices are labor intensive and can increase risk of cane blight infection (Leptosphaeria coniothyrium). We conducted a series of experiments to identify alternative management practices to stimulate lateral branching of blackberry.
Multiple plant growth regulators (6-benzyladenine, GA3, GA4+7, and prohexadione calcium) and cultural practices (cane bending, cane number, and tipping) were evaluated; however, reliable induction of lateral branches was not observed.
Use of reflective groundcovers increased lateral branching and total linear bearing surface by ~40%. The effect of canopy light environment on lateral branching merits further investigation.
Publication
Authors
T.M. Kon, G. Fernandez, J.C. Melgar, H. Lepsch
Keywords
bioregulator, pruning, Rubus, shoot growth, vegetative growth
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