329 Rubus Plant Growth and Development as Influenced by Two High Summer Heat Environments

Abstract

Seven Rubus cultivars were evaluated at two locations in Arkansas, northwest (Fayetteville) and southwest (Hope), to evaluate plant growth differences under high and very high summer temperature conditions. Temperatures during the hottest month (July) averaged 34 °C and 38 °C for Fayetteville and Hope, respectively. Growth; leaf area and number; and fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems, and roots were measured on the containerized raspberry cultivars Autumn Bliss, Dormanred, Heritage, Nova, Reveille, and Southland and the blackberry cultivar Arapaho. Growth measurements included number of canes per plant, number of laterals per cane, cane length, node number, and internode length. Measurements were taken monthly from June through September. Leaf areas were done after all growth measurements were taken at both locations in September. Variation occurred among cultivars and locations for leaf area, fresh and dry weights, growth, and leaf number. Plant death occurred at the Hope location, with `Heritag', `Reveille', and `Southland' all having plant mortality, while `Dormanred' and `Arapaho', both southern-adapted cultivars, had the greatest fresh and dry weights. The Fayetteville location had no plant loss after initial emergence in spring, and this more moderate environment probably contributed to higher plant survival. Our data indicated that only `Dormanred' and `Arapaho' achieved adequate survival and growth in the very high temperatures of the Hope location, whereas other cultivars (Reveille and Southland) with some southern U.S.-adapted germplasm, showed poor adaptation to the environments of our study. Our findings reflect the impact of high heat on non-adapted germplasm and reveal information on adaptation levels needed for parental consideration in breeding for southern conditions.