Influence of organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilisers on cane traits, productivity and berry quality of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)

Abstract

The present study focused on the influence of organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilisers on primocane growth, floricane properties, yield and berry quality attributes of non-remontant cv. ‘Meeker’ red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) during three consecutive years under western Serbian conditions. We used organo-mineral pelleted NPK fertilizer commercially named ‘Excell Orga’ (Excell), soluble crystalline complex fertiliser commercially named ‘Scotts Solinure 1’ (Scotts), water-soluble granulated compound fertiliser commercially named ‘Multi Comp Base’ (MCB), aged mature cattle manure as a organic fertiliser and control variant (without fertilization). Obtained results showed that primocane growth, floricane traits and berry quality traits significantly varied among fertilisers application and among years with exception of berry shape, soluble solids content (SSC), glucose and fructose contents, respectively. Also, in the most cases interaction fertiliser × year was significant. Among fertilisers, MCB and Scotts significantly improved primocane and floricane properties, berry weight and its size, productivity, single and total sugars contents and bioactive compounds (total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity). Control treatment induced better sweetness index than all fertilisers. Among years, rainy 2014 significantly increased primocane growth, floricane traits, yield, berry weight and size, acidity, pH juice, total sugars and sucrose contents and bioactive compounds content, whereas decreased SSC and ripening index (RI). Warm and dry 2012 decreased primocane growth, yield, some berry physical traits, acidity, total sugars and bioactive compounds, whereas increased number of drupelets, SSC and ripening index value. Manure and Excell exhibited a weak influence on the properties investigated, which were often similar to the control treatment or with minor differences.