Blackberry Cultivars Research Articles

Field Performance and Susceptibility to Fungal Pathogens of Eleven Blackberry Cultivars

ABSTRACT Horticultural performance of eleven blackberry cultivars, including two primocane-fruiting cultivars, was evaluated over three years after fruiting began at the Musser Fruit Research Center in South Carolina, United States. Results showed differences in yield between cultivars for each year of the study. ‘Natchez’ had the highest cumulative yield after three years, followed by ‘Navaho’, ‘Von’, and ‘Osage’, whereas ‘Prime-Ark® Traveler’ produced significantly less than these four cultivars. Yield steadily declined for all cultivars over the three years, except for ‘Osage’, which remained consistent. ‘Prime-Ark® Freedom’ always had the largest fruit, although it had the greatest yield reduction after the second year. Multiple factors may explain yield decline for the majority of the cultivars studied, including freeze damage and tip dieback. Tip dieback was observed in 2016 in multiple cultivars, but dieback incidence was highest on ‘Prime-Ark® Traveler’. The dieback was associated with an outbreak of broad mites and thrips in the experimental block and with secondary pathogens isolated from the decaying tissues primarily Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. Cultivar differences in susceptibility to Alternaria spp. were confirmed in laboratory studies.

Diferenciación morfológica, fenológica y pomológica de cultivares comerciales de mora (Rubus glaucus Benth)

El género Rubus es uno de los más diversos en términos morfológicos y genéticos, presentando un amplio espectro de especies silvestres y cultivadas que son apetecidas por sus frutos comestibles. En Ecuador, el cultivo de mora (R. glaucus y Rubus sp.) está presente a lo largo del callejón interandino, entre 2000 y 3100 msnm. Este frutal es un rubro de importancia económica por su alta demanda para consumo en fresco y procesado. Esta investigación se ejecutó en la Granja Experimental Tumbaco del INIAP (Ecuador) con el objetivo de encontrar caracteres que permitan diferenciar morfológica, fenológica y pomológicamente cuatro cultivares de mora (Castilla, Andimora, Colombiana y Brazos). Mediante análisis multivariado se formaron tres conglomerados (C). Los cultivares Andimora y Colombiana (C3) no poseen espinas a diferencia de Castilla (C2) y Brazos (C1) que las tienen presentes. Colombiana fue el cultivar más precoz (161 días de brotación a cosecha) y Castilla el más tardío (186 días). Brazos presentó el mayor peso de fruto (5.85 g). Andimora alcanzó el mayor contenido de sólidos solubles (11.86 ºBrix) y tuvo frutos firmes. Los caracteres diferenciantes observados en este estudio permiten establecer parámetros de distinción entre los cultivares que son actualmente cultivados en el Ecuador.

Screening of blackberry cultivars for phenolic bioactive-linked antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties

Screening of blackberry cultivars for phenolic bioactive-linked antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties

Development of blackberry cultivars with novel plant architecture

Development of blackberry cultivars with novel plant architecture

Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of wild and cultivated blackberry (Rubus Fruticosus L.) juices

Blackberry fruits (Rubus fruticosus L.) have been valued as an excellent source of polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. In this study, blackberry juices of two cultivated blackberry cultivars and two wild blackberry cultivars were evaluated as potential sources of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The content of polyphenols (total polyphenols, total flavonoids, flavonols, total and monomeric anthocyanins) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and OH radicals tests) were determined by the spectrophotometric method. The juices of wild blackberry varieties indicated the higher content of total polyphenols (2.16 - 2.25 mg GAE/g fw (fresh weight)), total anthocyanins (0.83 - 1.34 mg CyGE/g fw), and monomeric anthocyanins (0.70 - 1.14 mg CyGE/g fw), while the juice of cultivated blackberry variety had higher content of flavonoids (0.45 mg QcE/g fw) and flavonols (0.68 mg QcE/g fw). The results of the DPPH and the ABTS tests showed that the juices of wild blackberries possessed higher antioxidant activity compared to cultivated blackberries (p 0.05). All blackberry juices showed high concentrations of total polyphenols, including flavonoids, and anthocyanins content. The antioxidant activities of wild variety samples were stronger than of cultivated varieties. Significant correlations were determined between the content of total polyphenols, total and monomeric anthocyanins and the capacities of inhibition DPPH and ABTS radicals.

Microbial and sensory quality of an Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) cultivar

Microbial and sensory quality of an Andean blackberry (<i>Rubus glaucus</i> Benth) cultivar

Intercropping Winter Greens between Blackberry Rows for Year-round High Tunnel Production

A decrease in available farmland worldwide has prompted interest in polyculture systems such as intercropping where two or more crops are grown simultaneously on the same land to increase the yield per farm area. In Alcalde, NM, a year-round intercropping system was designed to evaluate organically produced blackberry cultivars (Rubus, subgenus Rubus) and winter greens in a high tunnel over a 2-year period. Two floricane fruiting blackberry cultivars, Chester Thornless and Triple Crown, were grown intercropped with ‘Red Russian’ kale (Brassica napus) and ‘Bloomsdale’ spinach (Spinacia oleracea) in a high tunnel. In an adjacent field, the planting of blackberry was repeated with no winter intercrop and no high tunnel. Both cultivars of blackberry were harvested July to September, and fresh weights were measured to determine suitability to the intercropping system in the high tunnel. Both species of winter greens were harvested January to April, and fresh yield weights were measured to discern fitness as possible intercrops in this system. Row covers were used for kale and spinach, and air temperatures were monitored November to April inside the high tunnel. High tunnel temperatures were within acceptable ranges for the production of greens with the use of rowcovers. Yield data from this study indicates that ‘Triple Crown’ blackberry outperformed ‘Chester Thornless’ blackberry in both the high tunnel and field trials with significant difference in the second season. Additionally, blackberry yields from both cultivars were observed to be higher in the field than in the high tunnel for both years. High temperature damage to high tunnel berry canes was noticed for both cultivars, with observed yield decreases in the second year in the high tunnel. Overall, this study indicates that the phenology and climate needs of the two winter greens and blackberry cultivars were not compatible for sustaining year-round organic high tunnel production.

Choosing the Right Blackberry Cultivar in Subtropical Florida

Blackberry (Rubus spp.) is a deciduous berry crop and the fourth most economically important berry crop in the United States. Driven by the growing demand for blackberries, production recently expanded to the southeastern United States. In Florida, however, commercial blackberry production is limited primarily to small commercial U-pick operations. The main challenges include insufficient chill hours and poor fruit quality associated with the subtropical climate. This new 6-page article, a publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, will discuss important cultivar selection criteria and recommended blackberry cultivars in subtropical Florida. Written by Shinsuke Agehara, Syuan-You Lin, and Zhanao Deng.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1352

Foliar nutrient contents and yield performance of blackberry with potassium fertilization

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield performance and foliar nutrient contents of blackberry (Rubus sp.) cultivars in response to the increase in potassium fertilization. The experiment was carried out in a soil with pH 5.2 and 22 mg dm-3 K content in the fourth and fifth years of production of the Brazos, Guarani, BRS Tupy, and BRS Xavante cultivars, grown in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The tested K2O rates were distributed in a 4x4 factorial arrangement, which consisted of four rates of K2O per plant (10, 20, 30, and 40 g) and of the four blackberry cultivars, distributed in four randomized complete block designs. The maximum economic efficiency (MEE) yield, the formation of primocanes, and the critical level of foliar nutrients were evaluated. The K fertilization recommended for blackberry cultivation in Brazilian conditions is not sufficient to maintain foliar nutrient contents at an adequate level. Fertilization with 20 g per plant per year of K2O, twice the recommended amount, favors the MEE yield, compatible with the yield performance of the cultivars. Foliar nutrient contents should be evaluated to recommend the proper fertilization for the orchard to reach its maximum yield potential.

Drought-Induced Oxidative Damage and Antioxidant Responses in Blackberry Cultivar ‘Hull Thornless’

Drought-Induced Oxidative Damage and Antioxidant Responses in Blackberry Cultivar ‘Hull Thornless’

Description of blackberry fruit growth by nonlinear regression models

Abstract Blackberry is a small fruit with several properties beneficial to human health and its cultivation is an alternative for small producers due to its fast and high financial return. Studying the growth of fruits over time is extremely important to understand their development, helping in the most appropriate crop management, avoiding post-harvest losses, which is one of the aggravating factors of blackberry cultivation, being a short shelf life fruit. Thus, growth curves are highlighted in this type of study and modeling through statistical models helps understanding how such growth occurs. Data from this study were obtained from an experiment conducted at the Federal University of Lavras in 2015. The aim of this study was to adjust nonlinear, double Logistic and double Gompertz models to describe the diameter growth of four blackberry cultivars (‘Brazos’, ‘Choctaw’, ‘Guarani’ and ‘Tupy’). Estimations of parameters were obtained using the least squares method and the Gauss-Newton algorithm, with the “nls” and “glns” functions of the R statistical software. The comparison of adjustments was made by the Akaike information criterion (AICc), residual standard deviation (RSD) and adjusted determination coefficient (R2 aj). The models satisfactorily described data, choosing the Logistic double model for ‘Brazos’ and ‘Guarani’ cultivars and the double Gompertz model for ‘Tupy’ and ‘Choctaw’ cultivars.

First Report of Fusarium Wilt of Blackberry Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mori in North Carolina

HomePlant DiseaseVol. 104, No. 3First Report of Fusarium Wilt of Blackberry Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mori in North Carolina PreviousNext DISEASE NOTES OPENOpen Access licenseFirst Report of Fusarium Wilt of Blackberry Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mori in North CarolinaA. M. Pastrana, W. O. Cline, T. W. Wong, D. C. Watson, J. Mercier, K. Ivors, J. C. Broome, L. M. Quesada-Ocampo, and T. R. GordonA. M. Pastranahttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-6540-4573University of California, Davis, CA 95616Search for more papers by this author, W. O. ClineNorth Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695Search for more papers by this author, T. W. WongNorth Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695Search for more papers by this author, D. C. WatsonUniversity of California, Davis, CA 95616Search for more papers by this author, J. MercierDriscoll’s Inc., Watsonville, CA 95076Search for more papers by this author, K. Ivorshttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-0930-3214Driscoll’s Inc., Watsonville, CA 95076Search for more papers by this author, J. C. BroomeDriscoll’s Inc., Watsonville, CA 95076Search for more papers by this author, L. M. Quesada-Ocampohttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-9072-7531North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695Search for more papers by this author, and T. R. Gordon†Corresponding author: T. R. Gordon; E-mail Address: trgordon@ucdavis.eduhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-1715-6509University of California, Davis, CA 95616Search for more papers by this author AffiliationsAuthors and Affiliations A. M. Pastrana1 W. O. Cline2 T. W. Wong2 D. C. Watson1 J. Mercier3 K. Ivors3 J. C. Broome3 L. M. Quesada-Ocampo2 T. R. Gordon1 † 1University of California, Davis, CA 95616 2North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695 3Driscoll’s Inc., Watsonville, CA 95076 Published Online:22 Jan 2020https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-19-1980-PDNAboutSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailWechat Beginning in 2015, wilting blackberry plants (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus) were observed in commercial plantings of cultivars BD467.1, BJ110.2, and Prime-Ark 45 in Pender County, North Carolina. Symptoms included chlorotic, wilted, or dried leaves on the entire cane. A dark, necrotic lesion on one side of the cane extending along the entire length of the cane was often visible. Complete or partial plant collapse was also observed, and up to 15% disease incidence occurred during fall 2018. Symptomatic blackberry plants of cultivar Prime-Ark 45 at one location in Pender County were sent to the North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. To recover fungi from plants, infected tissues were surface sterilized in 1% NaOCl for 1 min. The tissue was rinsed in sterile distilled water, cut into small pieces, and placed on acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). Two isolates, each from a different plant, were transferred from APDA to Nash and Snyder medium (Thies and Levi 2007), which is selective for Fusarium spp. Single strains (GL1963 and GL1964) were obtained by excising hyphal tips from recently germinated spores. Both isolates produced microconidia in false heads on short monophialides and macroconidia with elongated, bent apical cells and notched basal cells on carnation leaf agar, consistent with identification as Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtendahl emend. Snyder & Hansen (Leslie and Summerell 2006). Primer pairs iNL11/CNSa and iCNS11/NLa were used to amplify the intergenic spacer (O’Donnell et al. 2009). On the basis of a comparison of 2,281 bp, both isolates had identical sequences (GenBank accessions MN013360 and MN013361), which revealed a 100% match with sequences of F. oxysporum accessions in GenBank (AY527725.1) and Fusarium-ID (FD_00847_IGS) databases. A comparison with previously described blackberry isolates showed a 100% match with F. oxysporum f. sp. mori isolates from California (GenBank accessions KY515229 and KY515230). Complementary nit phenotypes obtained for each isolate, as described by Correll et al. (1987), were not compatible with F. oxysporum f. sp. mori strains previously identified in California. Both isolates from North Carolina were tested for pathogenicity to blackberry cultivar BJ110.2. For each isolate, five plants (approximately 8 months old) were inoculated by immersing roots for 10 min in a suspension of 5 × 106 spores/ml, which was obtained from cultures grown on PDA as described by Schmale and Gordon (2003). Thereafter, inoculated plants were placed in pots filled with Sunshine mix number 1 (SunGro Horticulture Canada). Each isolate was included in two independent pathogenicity tests, each of which included isolate GL1804 as the positive control (Pastrana et al. 2017). In each trial, five plants were immersed in sterile 0.1% water agar instead of a spore suspension to serve as negative controls. Inoculated and control plants were arranged in randomly assigned positions in a greenhouse with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30°C and relative humidity between 15 and 75%. By 6 to 7 weeks after inoculation, all inoculated plants were severely diseased or dead, and negative control plants remained healthy. F. oxysporum was recovered from stems and petioles of all symptomatic plants. This disease was previously reported in California and Mexico (Gordon et al. 2016; Hernandez-Cruz et al. 2015).The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

Antioxidant Capacity and Polyphenolic Compounds of Blackberries Produced in Different Climates

Antioxidants are compounds with varied chemical structures that are affected by biotic and abiotic factors. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of fruit from four blackberry cultivars produced under different climatic conditions. Ascorbic acid content, total polyphenols, flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of the fruit were evaluated, and high levels of bioactive compounds as well as antioxidant activity were observed regardless of the cultivar or growing location. The results showed that bioactive production is affected by the cultivar and environment. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of the blackberry fruit depends on the total phenolics and anthocyanin.

Comparative analysis of fruit characters and nutritional quality between five blackberry (RubusL.) hybrid strains and their parents

In order to provide a scientific basis for breeding new blackberry (Rubus L.) cultivars in China, this paper analyzed the indexes of fruit characters and nutritional quality for five primary selected hybrid strains (5-8-2, 6-6-3, 7-7-4, 7-10-2 and 7-10-6) as well as their parent cultivars grown in Nanjing China. The result showed that 6-6-3 had the largest fruit size with average fruit weight of 7.89 g and biggest fruit weight of 14.58 g, and was intermediate compared with that of its parents. Its aggregate fruit with larger seeds contained the largest number of small fruits, which showed significant over-parents heterosis. The fruit size of 7-7-4 and 7-10-2 were the smallest, lower than that of their parents. 5-8-2 had the highest yield, which was 3.37 kg plant‑1. 5-8-2, 6-6-3 and 7-10-6 had higher soluble solids content (SSC) than the others. The total acid content (TAC) of 5-8-2 fruit was the lowest, which was only 1.08%. Thus, 5-8-2 with higher SSC/TAC was sweeter. Besides, the SSC, TAC and SSC/TAC of 6-6-3 showed over-parents heterosis significantly. Our result suggested that the fruit characters and nutritional quality of 5-8-2 and 6-6-3 were better than 7-7-4, 7-10-2 and 7-10-6and also inherited the characteristics of their parents, can be used as germplasm resources for further study.

Transcriptome analysis of vegetative shoot apex between a thorny blackberry cultivar and its less-thorn variant

Transcriptome analysis of vegetative shoot apex between a thorny blackberry cultivar and its less-thorn variant

Effect of Different Commercial Fertilizers, Harvest Date, and Storage Time on Two Organically Grown Blackberry Cultivars: Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Properties, and Sugar Profiles

Despite increased consumer interest in organic produce, little is known about how different organic production methods affect both the traditional measures of quality and the naturally occurring health promoting (bioactive) compounds of food. In this study, “Obsidian” and “Triple Crown” blackberries (bothRubushybrids) were cultivated organically and fertilized with either soy meal, fish emulsion/hydrolysate blend, or processed poultry litter fertilizers at a fixed rate. Fruits were hand-harvested three times during their peak production period and stored at 4°C and 85% RH for up to 12 d. Fertilizer effects on the physicochemical properties were minor, while harvest period had a stronger effect, though that trend varied by year. Antioxidant and sugar profile data revealed an interesting pattern: “Obsidian” had ORAC and lower sugar than “Triple Crown” at harvest and also had greater differentiation due to fertilizer treatments. Fertilizer effects differed based on harvest date and cultivar, with late harvest fruit fertilized with fish emulsion fertilizer showing higher TPC and ORAC than other fertilizer treatments, while the early and middle harvest fruit showed similar or greater responses to soy meal-based fertilizer. Time of harvest and length of storage also affected the antioxidant properties and sugar profiles in different ways depending on fruit cultivar, again with the “Obsidian” fruit showing greater variability in general. This study demonstrated that the two cultivars of organically grown blackberry fruit have different physicochemical and antioxidant properties, thus potentially different shelf lives in the fresh market.

Blackberry Propagation Limitations When Using Floricane Cuttings

Outdoor production of floricane-fruiting (FF) blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus) is problematic in the Northern Great Plains region of the United States because cane injury and plant death will occur from exposure to temperatures −15 °C and colder. An annual FF blackberry production system using hardwood floricane cuttings would overcome some of the existing limitations of traditional production methods. Several experiments were performed to induce adventitious root formation from one-node hardwood floricane blackberry cuttings taken in winter for the purpose of subsequent growth of a floral shoot. One-node hardwood cuttings of multiple blackberry cultivars (Apache, Arapaho, Kiowa, Osage, Ouachita, Siskiyou, and Triple Crown) were evaluated for rooting potential with and without auxin treatments. Root formation was virtually nonexistent for ‘Apache’, ‘Kiowa’, and ‘Triple Crown’ regardless of the auxin treatment. In general, lower auxin concentrations and the powder formulation produced more roots and had higher root ratings. However, rooting success of cuttings and plant development was low regardless of the rooting method used. Adventitious root production of one-node dormant hardwood FF blackberry cuttings for use in an annual production system had low success regardless of the cultivar, auxin application, rate, and formulation. The variable propagation success rates using single-node hardwood cuttings from ‘Apache’, ‘Arapaho’, ‘Kiowa’, ‘Osage’, ‘Ouachita’, ‘Siskiyou’, and ‘Triple Crown’ plants grown in containers in North Dakota suggested insufficient rooting success for the recommendation of this practice. Additionally, the results suggested these cultivars are not suitable using this method for an annual production system or as a means for large-scale propagation. Although this approach to developing plants from cuttings is of great interest, without a more effective FF blackberry cutting rooting method that can progress through fruit production, an annual blackberry production system in the Northern Great Plains region of the United States is unlikely.

Blackberry Cultivar Feeding Preference of Adult Japanese Beetles

The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) is one of the most widespread and destructive invasive insect pests in the eastern United States. Blackberry (Rubus sp.) production in the United States has increased significantly in recent years. With the introduction of new blackberry cultivars, insect resistance should become the focus of further breeding efforts. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the susceptibility of 13 blackberry cultivars to the Japanese beetle. The seasonal population dynamics of this insect, beetle damage to blackberry foliage, and beetle preference of blackberry cultivars were monitored from 2016 to 2018 on a blackberry plantation in Mountain Grove, MO. Japanese beetles feeding on blackberries occurred between 814 to 1251 cumulative degree-days (CDD; base, 10 °C) after 1 Jan. The following cultivars were evaluated: Apache, APF-40, Arapaho, Chester, Chickasaw, Kiowa, Natchez, Osage, Ouachita, Prime-Ark 45, Prime-Jan, Prime-Jim, and Triple Crown. Foliage damage incidence, defined as average percentage of leaves damaged by beetles on a given cane, did not differ among the cultivars. However, average severity of damage, estimated by rating on a scale from 0 (least) to 5 (most) of all damaged leaves on a given cane was different among cultivars. Ouachita and APF-40 exhibited the lowest damage severity rating among floricanes and primocanes, respectively. Apache (a floricane) and Prim-Jan (a primocane) were the most susceptible cultivars. Japanese beetle preferences for cultivars correlated with the degree of foliage damage. Because all blackberry cultivars exhibited similar foliage feeding incidence, but different feeding severity, we suggest the Japanese beetle does not differentiate among blackberry cultivars from a distance, but does upon contact with the foliage of a given plant.

Agronomic performance of Blackberry cultivars in Lapa-PR

Abstract Phenological studies with blackberry cultivars and the physical, chemical and sensory characterization of fruits are necessary to select the best cultivar adapted to local conditions and for the correct destination of fruits. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenological stages of different blackberry cultivars, as well as to determine the quality of fruits, focusing on the recommendation of cultivars that are more adapted to local climate conditions. Moreover, the aim was to indicate the best destination of fruits produced, for either fresh consumption or as raw material for processing. The results indicated that the cultivars studied have adequate conditions for the expression of their productive potential, being Tupy cultivar the most productive. Fruits of Tupy, Guarani and Cherokee cultivars presented dual aptitude, which means they can be consumed fresh or or as raw material for processing, whereas those of Xavante cultivar are suitable only for processing.

Management of pruning and evaluation in blackberry cultivars in relation to productive characteristics and bioactive compounds.

The goal of this work was to evaluate blackberry cultivars in terms of productivity and bioactive compounds. Two experiments were conducted: in the first experiment four cultivars were evaluated (Cherokee, Guarani, BRS-Tupy and Xavante). In the second experiment, the effects of pruning management in the BRS-Tupy cultivar were evaluated with the following treatments: drastic winter pruning (zero primocane), and maintenance of two, three or four primocanes in the winter pruning. Vegetative, productive and fruit quality characteristics were determined, including measurement of bioactive compounds. Among the cultivars, the cultivar BRS-Tupy was superior in terms of productive characteristics, but for content of anthocyanins and flavonoids, the cultivar Xavante stood out (191.97 and 68.44 mg 100 g-1, respectively). Drastic winter pruning produced lower fruit quality. The number of primocanes has a directly proportional influence on the soluble solids content and productivity component. For farmers who want fruits with greater levels of bioactive compounds, the use of cultivar Xavante is recommended; however, for those who aim for productive aspects, we suggest the use of cultivar BRS-Tupy with four primocanes per plant.