Effects of pruning and cropping on field-grown primocane-fruiting blackberries

Primocane-fruiting blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson) selections have recently been developed by the University of Arkansas, but proper cane-management practices for the new germplasm have not yet been determined. It was observed in previous trials that primocane-fruiting selections flowered and fruited in late July and early August in Arkansas, which is often the hottest part of the summer and earlier than desired. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effects of primocane tipping on cane and fruit characteristics and to determine the effect of floricane presence on primocane performance. In Fayetteville, one-year-old plants of selections APF-8 and APF-12 were used to apply the four primocane-tipping treatments in combination with the two cane management treatments (presence or absence of floricanes). In Clarksville, the same genotypes were used to apply the two cane management treatments (presence or absence of floricanes). The tipping treatments had a significant effect on primocane yield and peak harvest as well as other parameters. The cane management treatments had a significant effect on total yield, but no other effects.