‘Autumn Bliss’ raspberry production using different plant densities in the Mexican central valley

Abstract

The interest for raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivation in Mexico is increasing and there are several regions with potential for raspberry production. We must generate technological knowledge for these places. One of the systems for raspberry production is the multiannual cropping, where defining cane density becomes important in order to enhance plant yield and fruit quality. This research was done in the Mexican central valley in order to determine the effect of cane density on yield, fruit quality and cane growth of fall bearing red raspberry 'Autumn Bliss'. The main objective was to define the primocane density with the highest yield. Four treatments were analyzed in a two-year row plantation (10, 20, 30 and 40 primocanes m-2). Each treatment had four replications, which were distributed in a randomized complete block design. Primocane density did affect neither the date for onset of harvest, which was observed on May 19, 2008, nor the harvest period, which was 54 d long. Densities of 40 primocanes m-2 had yields near 1.99 kg m-2, which became on an estimate for raspberry yields superior to that from the national average. Fruit quality and size were not affected with the highest cane density from this study. It is concluded that 40 primocanes m-2 are recommended for multiannual plantations in row in the central valley of Mexico.