Cane Density Research Articles

Influence of Stale Cane Seed on Productivity of Sugarcane in Semi-arid Climate

Abstract 
 Delayed planting of sugarcane crop after harvesting of seed is a common farming practice in all cane growing areas of Pakistan. This study was conducted to find out comparative effect of sugarcane seed having different harvesting or stalling period on productivity of sugarcane. The experiment was planted in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement for two consecutive years. Three commercial sugarcane varieties viz. CPF 248, CPF 247 and CPF 246 were kept in main plots whereas cane setts staling; fresh, 3 days, 6 days & 9 days old stale cane setts were placed in sub-plots. The data revealed that sugarcane clones were differed significantly for most of biometric traits under study except cane yield whereas impact of cane setts stalling was also significant excluding for sugar contents. While, interactive effect of all treatment combinations for sugarcane clones and cane setts stalling was found significant except for CCS%. It was found that clone CPF 247 exhibited highest cane and sugar yield by planting fresh cane setts as against lowest for CPF 248 when planted with 9 days old stale cane setts during both years of experimentation. Better growth and yield related traits were predominantly attributed to planting of fresh cane seed having better germination, tillering and cane density.

Blackberry and Raspberry Cultivar Evaluations in Coastal California

Increased productivity of recently developed primocane raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and blackberry (Rubus sp.) cultivars have been accompanied by dramatic improvements in fruit firmness, shape, size, color, and flavor. These traits have contributed to the establishment of these crops throughout California. In this study, we evaluated publically available raspberry and blackberry cultivars for fruit yields, postharvest quality, and production in response to pruning management, at two locations in the central coast of California. Among raspberries, ‘Imara’ and ‘Kweli’ were the highest yielding cultivars at both trial locations while ‘Kwanza’ produced 30% to 50% larger fruit, by weight, with postharvest shelf life superior to that of ‘Vintage’. Among blackberries, ‘Prime-Ark® 45’ was the top-yielding cultivar and had the largest fruit at both locations during both years. ‘Prime-Ark® 45’ and ‘Prime-Ark® Traveler’ had comparable weights after 13 days in cold storage in 2018, while in 2019 ‘Prime-Ark® 45’ and ‘APF 268T’ had comparable fruit weight. Greater and earlier fruit yields of both blackberries and raspberries were obtained with combined production from floricanes and primocanes compared with primocane production alone. However, increase in cane density in combined production can complicate management of pests, fertigation, and fruit harvest efficiency. With increased interest in primocane cultivars, the information generated in this study has provided new resources to guide successful production by small, independent, and direct-sale growers.

Seeing the wood for the trees: hyperspectral imaging for high throughput QTL detection in raspberry, a perennial crop species

Physiological and physical traits are excellent indicators of many crop characteristics, but precise phenotyping of these traits is time consuming and, therefore, limits progress in crop breeding and the speed of crop monitoring. Hyperspectral imaging offers an opportunity to overcome these barriers as a technique for high throughput field measurements. Using a recently developed hyperspectral imaging platform devised for plantations of the perennial crop raspberry, this study aimed to further develop the tool and test its capacity as an innovative approach for high throughput field phenotyping, data collection and analysis. Hyperspectral imaging and visual crop assessments were carried out over two growing seasons in a field-grown raspberry mapping population, and data were subject to Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis. The findings show that reflectance intensity at multiple wavelengths can be linked to known genetic markers in raspberry, and many of these 'spectral traits' are expressed consistently through the growing season and between years, for example spectral ratio 719 nm / 691 nm shows up consistently as a QTL on LG4. Spectral traits were identified that co-located with previously mapped physical traits, such as 719 nm / 691 nm and cane density. The study indicates that hyperspectral imaging can be used as an innovative approach for high throughput field phenotyping of raspberry and could be transferred readily to other perennial crops. Our approach provides a pipeline for automated field data collection and analysis that can be used for rapid QTL detection of spectral traits.

Environmental and landscape factors affecting the continued suppression of canebrakes (Arundinaria gigantea,Poaceae) within restorations of bottomland hardwood forests

Canebrakes in the southeastern United States form a unique ecosystem composed of monotypic stands of the cane species Arundinaria gigantea Michaux within bottomland hardwood forests. Since European settlement, canebrakes have been reduced to less than 2% of their historic range and are considered a critically endangered ecosystem. Despite efforts to restore bottomland hardwood forests to the landscape, current practices have yet to address restoration strategies for canebrakes. This paper synthesizes current understanding of abiotic and biotic factors limiting canebrake reestablishment within bottomland hardwood forest complexes. Consideration is given to the effects of hydrology, landscape and biogeographic factors, disturbance, cane reproductive history, growth patterns, and herbivory on canebrake establishment and persistence. While there is no single factor controlling the distribution and abundance of canebrakes, it is reasonable to believe abiotic factors have a greater impact on the establishment of canebrake systems than biotic factors. Once ecosystem hydrology, topography, and disturbance regimes are restored, biotic factors may have a greater limiting effect on canebrake reestablishment. Herbivory is particularly detrimental to canebrake formation and maintenance by decreasing cane density and cover, selectively removing root stock, and facilitating colonization of areas formerly occupied by cane. This review concludes that under current restoration and management practices of restored bottomland hardwood forests, widespread canebrakes seem unlikely to reestablish.

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

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.

Potassium Fertilization Affects Floricane Mineral Nutrient Content, Growth, and Yield of Blackberry Grown in Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the floricane leaf nutrient content, vegetative growth, and yield of two blackberry (Rubus spp.) cultivars (Tupy and Xavante), in response to rate of potassium (K) fertilization (0.0, 2.1, 4.2, 6.2, or 8.3 g/plant of K). The research was conducted in a region of low chill (342 chill hours) in southern Brazil (lat. 31°40′ 46.98 S, long. 52°26′ 4.36 W), and soil with pH 5.9, organic matter (OM) 1.1% and K 58.0 g·m−3. In 2009, only calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) leaf concentration were affected by K application, and leaf K level was considered below normal for blackberry in Brazil. In 2010 and 2011, leaf K of blackberry in Brazil increased linearly in both cultivars with an increase in applied K. However, leaf K of blackberry in Brazil only reached its recommended levels for optimal growth in 2010 with the application of 2.1 and 8.3 g/plant of K for ‘Tupy’ and ‘Xavante’, respectively. In 2011, an antagonistic relationship was seen between leaf nitrogen (N)/K and K/Ca and K/Mg ratios with increasing K rates, where increasing K rates were accompanied by a linear decrease in the N/K ratio and a linear increase in the K/Ca and K/Mg ratios. Micronutrients evaluated showed no significant response to applied rates of K. A decrease in floricane leaf concentration of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) was also observed over years of the study. Potassium fertilization rates influenced the vegetative growth of blackberries. ‘Tupy’ showed increased cane density and pruning weights with increased rates of K application up to 8.3 g/plant, whereas cane density was optimized in ‘Xavante’ at 4.2 g/plant. The fruit yield of ‘Tupy’ and ‘Xavante’ increased linearly with K application per plant in all three years, indicating that K fertilization may be limiting the yield potential of these cultivars. These results suggest that the current K fertilizer recommendations may need to be increased for optimal production in Brazil.

EFFECT OF CANE DENSITY AND SHOOT ORIENTATION ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF 'THOMPSON SEEDLESS' GRAPES

Investigation on effect of cane density and orientation was undertaken for improvement of growth, yield and quality of ?Thompson Seedless? grapes grafted on Dogridge rootstock in a factorial randomized block design with treatments consisting of four cane angles (vertical, 30°, 45° and 60°) with a density of 35, 40 and 45 canes per vine. The experiment was conducted at the Instructional cum Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Osmanabad (MS) India during 2012-13. Different characters of vine vigour, leaf, bunch, berry, yield and quality attributes were recorded. The results revealed that all attributes were significantly influenced by cane density (35 canes per vine) and orientation of shoot (45°) except TSS and juice pH. The highest vine vigour in terms weight of pruning (561.51 g), number of bunches per vine (36.11), length of bunch (19.29 cm), weight of a bunch (351.79 g), number of berries per bunch (122.91), weight of berry (2.92 g), length of berry (20.12 mm), diameter of berry (16.05 mm) and yield (21.20 Mt/ha). The highest length of internode (5.26 cm), leaf area (168.49 cm2), leaf area index (0.38) was recorded in the same cane density and shoot orientation. The highest TSS (21.92°B) and lowest acidity (0.40%) were determined at 35 canes per vine and a 45° orientation of shoots. However, almost all characters were at par with 45 canes per vine with a shoot orientation of 30°. It is inferred that the best vine canopy architecture of 35 canes per vine with a cane orientation at 45° was found to be suitable for vine vigour, yield and quality attributes under subtropical conditions in Maharashtra State of India.

Genetic and environmental regulation of plant architectural traits and opportunities for pest control in raspberry

AbstractPart of the reason for the under‐exploitation of physical resistance traits in plant breeding is that the genetic basis and heritability of these traits is poorly characterised, and any associations of particular traits with pest and disease resistances have yet to be determined. In raspberry, some associations between architectural traits and disease resistances have been demonstrated, for example cane hairs and resistance to cane diseases. The aim of this work is to examine a range of traits, including leaf trichomes, leaf density, cane density, bush density, lateral length and lateral numbers, to determine the heritability and therefore breeding potential of these traits. The effect of these traits against aphids and spider mites, two important pests in raspberry, was examined. Chromosomal regions with candidate genes regulating these traits were identified as the first step to understanding the genetic control.

Influence of cane density on microclimate of canopy, growth, yield and quality of wine grapes

Influence of cane density on microclimate of canopy, growth, yield and quality of wine grapes

Adubação nitrogenada e características agronômicas em amoreira-preta

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de doses crescentes de nitrogênio sobre o crescimento vegetativo, a produção e os níveis foliares de nutrientes da amoreira-preta (Rubus spp.). O experimento foi realizado com as cultivares Tupy e Xavante, na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, de 2008 a 2012. Os tratamentos consistiram da aplicação de cinco doses de N (0,0, 7,5, 15,0, 22,5 e 30,0 g por planta), aplicados na adubação de manutenção, após a implantação da lavoura. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as variáveis: densidade de hastes, massa de matéria seca de poda, índice de clorofila, produção por planta, número de frutos e composição nutricional das folhas (N, K, Ca, Mg e S). A adubação nitrogenada influenciou significativamente o crescimento vegetativo, a produção e a composição nutricional das folhas. As cultivares apresentaram resposta distinta à aplicação de N, em que 'Tupy' foi mais exigente que 'Xavante'. As doses de N atualmente recomendadas para a cultura da amoreira-preta são satisfatórias para a máxima produção de 'Xavante', mas insuficientes para 'Tupy'.

Habitat and Landscape Effects on Brood Parasitism, Nest Survival, and Fledgling Production in Swainson's Warblers

ABSTRACT Numerous factors, including nest predation and brood parasitism, may limit populations of neotropical migratory birds. However, nest predation and brood parasitism are not constant, and temporal, biological, habitat, and landscape factors can affect the likelihood of these events. Understanding these patterns is important for species of conservation concern for which managers seek to provide quality habitat. One such species, the Swainson's warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii), is a neotropical migrant that breeds primarily in bottomland hardwood forests of the southeastern United States. Little is known of factors influencing reproductive success of this rare, yet locally abundant, species. From 2004 through 2007, we examined factors influencing reproductive success of Swainson's warblers at 2 sites in eastern Arkansas, USA, St. Francis National Forest and White River National Wildlife Refuge. We used 2‐stage modeling to assess the relationship between 1) temporal and biological, and 2) habitat and landscape factors and brood parasitism, nest survival, and fledgling production. Brood parasitism was greater in this population (36%) than reported elsewhere (≤ 10%), but decreased throughout the breeding season. Nest survival was comparable to or lower than in other populations of this species and increased throughout the breeding season. The probability of brood parasitism was greater near forest edges. Although nests of Swainson's warblers were often associated with giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), nest survival had a weak negative association with cane density. For nests that were successful, the best predictor of number of Swainson's warblers fledged was brood‐parasitism status: nonparasitized nests fledged 2.75 young, whereas parasitized nests fledged 0.60 Swainson's warblers. Our findings suggest that managing and restoring relatively high‐elevation bottomland forests that are located far from agricultural edges should increase Swainson's warbler productivity.

Dry Matter Partitioning, Carbohydrate Composition, Protein Reserves, and Fruiting in ‘Autumn Bliss’ Red Raspberry Vary in Response to Pruning Date and Cane Density

In a 2-year experiment (1994 and 1995), plants of primocane-fruiting red raspberry cultivar ‘Autumn Bliss’ grown in a plastic greenhouse were destructively harvested at different growth stages to determine the effect of pruning date and cane density on dry matter distribution, carbohydrate concentration, and soluble protein concentration in different plant parts. Three summer-pruning dates (early, mid, and late July) and four cane densities (8, 16, 24, and 32 canes/m row) were imposed. Relative root biomass decreased from pruning to first flower stage and remained constant thereafter for all pruning dates. Earlier pruning dates corresponded to earlier fruit production, but yield was significantly reduced on later pruning dates and higher cane densities. Sucrose concentration was higher in fine roots than in suberized roots and had a slight decrease during flowering and the beginning of harvest. Soluble protein concentrations did not differ significantly between pruning dates. Reserve carbohydrates in the root system were unaffected by pruning and cane density, and were rapidly used during active vegetative growth, began to recover just after bloom, and were fully recovered at the end of the season. Our experiment suggested that in red raspberry plants grown under poor environmental conditions, current yield is reduced but there is enough carbohydrate accumulation to support next year's growth.

Leaf nitrogen — sodium ratio in sugarcane clones and its associations with other parameters at grand growth period

Leaf N/Na ratio had a range of 3.64 in CP 44-101 to 6.09 in Co 6806 as per variety mean and their differences were significant. The wide variation of leaf N/Na ratio was between 2.54 in Co 1148 at 7 months to 7.86 in CoA 7601 at 4 months. High leaf N/Na ratio were observed in Co 6806, Co C 671, Co 7508, Co 7204, Co617, Co A 7601, Co 7201,Co 7717, Co 740, Co 853, Co 6304, while clones recorded low N/Naratio were CP 44–101, Co 62399, Co 1148, Co 975, Co 7704, H 50–7209, Co 997, Co 62101, Co 62175, Co J 64 and Co 775. Statistically significant decreas & of leaf N/Na ratio between stages were observed from 6.21 at 4 months to 3.42 at 7 months. The interactions-between clones x stages were also significant at 0.1 % level. The associations of leaf N/Na ratio were significant and positive with leaf N/P, N/K, N/Ca, N/Mg, N/S, N/C1, N/ Si ratios, sucrose % juice at 10 and 12 months, cane yield at 10 and 12 months, sugar yield at 8, 10 and 12 months, cane volume, cane height, cane thickness, cane weight, harvest index-sugar yield-8,10 and 12 months both on fresh weight and dry weight basis. There was a significant negative association between leaf N/Na ratio and leaf cations minus anions. However, leaf N/Na ratio had no effect on at any one stage with leaf cations/anions ratio, sheath N/P, N/K, N/Ca, N/Mg, N/S, N/C1, N/Na, N/Si, cations/anions ratio, cations minus anions, internodes numbers, stalk numbers, cane density, culm bulk density, harvest index-cane yield, harvest index-CCS %, harvest index-sucrose % juice-10 and 12 months both on dry weight and fresh weight basis.

The Effect of V-Trellising on Primocane-Fruiting Raspberries (Rubus idaeusL.)

Abstract Primocane-fruiting (PF) red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L. cvs. Summit and Heritage) at two locations in Southern Ontario were maintained in a hedgerow or trained to a V-trellis to determine the effect of trellising on productivity. Trellising increased yield per cane in ‘Heritage’ at Cambridge by 56% with a concomitant increase in fruit number per cane, but did not significantly affect yield of either ‘Heritage’ or ‘Summit’ at Campbellville. Plots at Campbellville had significantly greater cane densities than plots at Cambridge, and so light penetration into the walls of the V-trellis at Campbellville was likely diminished due to crowding and competition between canes. Response of PF raspberries to V-trellising may be dependent on cane density of the planting.

Interference between shatter cane (Sorghum bicolor) and soybean (Glycine max)

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of shatter cane (Sorghum bicolor) and soybean (Glycine max) densities on soybean seed yield and to quantify interspecific and intraspecific interference coefficients. The relations between soybean seed yield per plant and shatter cane density at different densities of soybean and also with soybean density at different densities of shatter cane are well described by the reciprocal equations. Soybean seed yield per unit area decreased with increasing shatter cane density. The highest yield loss (57%) was relative to 50 and 12 plants/m2 of soybean and shatter cane densities, respectively. Optimum soybean densities on the basis of maximum soybean seed yield per unit area at 0,4, 8, and 12 plants/m2 of shatter cane were achieved at 50, 34, 32, and 36 plants/m2, as estimated by the asymptotic or parabolic relations between soybean seed yield per unit area and soybean densities at different shatter cane densities. Shatter cane was a stronger competitor than soybean, as a shatter cane plant was equal to 2.5 soybean plants, based on soybean seed yield. In contrast, a soybean plant was equal to 0.18 of a shatter cane plant, on the basis of shatter cane biomass. It was, therefore, concluded that the superior competitor was mostly affected by intraspecific interference, but the weaker competitor was mostly affected by interspecific interference.

Investigation of sugarcane genetic stocks for leaf blade nitrogen-magnesium ratio at grand growth period and its associations with nutrients ratios, yield components, sucrose and yield of cane and sugar

At grand growth period, thirty sugarcane genetic stocks were studied for leaf blade N/Mg raio. Differences of leaf N/Mg ratio among clones, among stages and interaction between clone x stage were significant statistically at 0.1 % level. According to clone mean, the lowest and the highest leaf N/Mg ratio were 7.00 in Co 62399 and 11.43 in CoC 671. The wide range of leaf N/Mg ratio was in between 5.50 in Co 62399 at 4 months to 15.14 in Co 775 at 7 months. Clones CoC 671, Co 7712, Co 775, Co 7304, NCo 310, CoA 7601, Co 6806, Co 997, POJ 2878, and Co 7717 had recorded high leaf N/Mg ratio, while low leaf N/Mg ratio was observed in Co 62399, CP 44-101, Co 678, Co 7704, H 50-7209, Co 419, Co 62175, Co 6304, Co 1148 and Co 740. with the advancement of the age of the crop, leaf N/Mg ratio increased from 7.47 at 4 months to 11.49 at 7 months. The significant positive associations of leaf nitrogen-magnesium ratio were observed with leaf N/P, N/K, N/Ca, N/S, N/Cl, N/Na, N/Si, cations/anions ratio, sheath N/K, N/Ca, N/S ratios, sucrose% juice-8, -10, -12 months, harvest index-sucrose % juice and harvest index-C.C.S. %. There was a significant negative association between leaf N/Mg ratio and harvest index-cane yield. But leaf N/Mg ratio had no association with leaf cations minus anions, cane and sugar yield, stalk numbers, cane volume, cane density, cane height, cane thickness, cane weight, culm basic density and harvest index-sugar yield.

Pruning Date and Cane Density Affect Primocane Development and Yield of `Autumn Bliss' Red Raspberry

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of date of summer pruning and cane densities on growth and fruiting characteristics of the raspberry (Rubus idaeus) plant. Three summer-pruning dates (early, middle, and late July) and four cane densities (8, 16, 24, and 32 canes/m row) were imposed to the greenhouse-grown primocane-fruiting raspberry `Autumn Bliss' in 2 consecutive years (1994 and 1995). A higher light microclimate and CO2 assimilation rate were measured within the canopy at the lowest density. Some compensation in CO2 assimilation rates were observed in the upper leaves of the high-density treatments, probably in response to low light. Delayed pruning decreased yield per cane and per row. The highest yields per cane were always observed at the lowest cane density. Densities of 16 and 24 canes/m produced the highest fruit yield. Light conditions appeared to be the most important environmental factor affecting plant productivity. Fruit were a weaker sink than roots; therefore, the role of carbohydrate reserves should be investigated.

Long-term Field Performance of Primocane Fruiting Raspberry Cultivars in New York

The performance of 11 primocane fruiting raspberry (Rubus idaeus) cultivars was evaluated based on yield and fruit weight from the first three seasons compared to the eighth and ninth seasons, respectively. Plot vigor and cane density was evaluated in the eighth season. `Prelude', `Caroline', and `Heritage' did not show a decline in yield in the eighth season compared to the first three seasons. `Kiwigold', `Graton Gold' (sold as `Goldie'), `Watson' (sold as `Ruby'), `Autumn Bliss', `Anne, and `Amity' had substantial yield decreases from early production seasons ranging from -30% to -82%. `Kiwigold' had the highest yield of 4015 kg·ha-1 (3582.2 lb/acre) in the eighth season followed by `Caroline' at 3649 kg·ha-1 (3255.6 lb/acre), `Heritage' at 3614 kg·ha-1 (3224.4 lb/acre), and `Prelude' at 3591 kg·ha-1 (3203.9 lb/acre). Fruit weight did not vary significantly among years, but there were differences among cultivars. In the ninth season, `Ruby' had the largest fruit at 3.1 g (0.11 oz), followed by `Autumn Bliss' at 2.9 g (0.10 oz), and `Caroline' and `Prelude' at 2.8 g (0.10 oz). `Summit', `Goldie', and `Rossana' had the smallest fruit at 1.5 g (0.05 oz). `Goldie' was the most vigorous cultivar and `Anne' the least in the eighth season based on vigor ratings. `Rossana' had the highest cane density at 41.6 canes/m2 (3.86 canes/ft2). Seven of 11 cultivars had cane density of 32 canes/m2 (3.0 canes/ft2) or higher, which is sufficient to produce acceptable yields in cultivars suited to the region. Overall, `Prelude', `Caroline' and `Heritage' and its sports, `Kiwigold' and `Goldie', show the most potential for long production cycles in climates similar to western New York state.

Trellising System and Cane Density Affect Yield and Fruit Quality of Red Raspberry

Trellising and cane density treatments were applied to vigorous raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cv. Titan plants in Southern Ontario to determine their effects on yield, yield potential, and canopy microclimate during the 1997 and 1998 seasons. The trellising treatments compared were hedgerow (control), V-trellis, and single-sided shift-trellis (shift-trellis). Cane densities (9, 16, 23, and 30 canes/m2) were established before budbreak each season. The treatments significantly affected yield and yield components. Path analysis indicated that interrelationships among yield components were significantly affected by trellising system. In the second season, plants trained on the V-trellis yielded more than did those in a hedgerow system, while those trained on a shift-trellis had the lowest yield because of a smaller fruiting framework. Fruit quality was lower on the shifttrellis than in the other two systems. These differences were related to light penetration into the three canopies. While an optimum cane density was not found for any system, the maximum cane density (30 canes/m2) produced the highest yields. Yield potential per cane decreased as cane density increased; however, the increase in cane number compensated for this decrease, resulting in an increase in total yield per unit area. Fruit quality also decreased as cane density increased, but cane density did not affect canopy microclimate.

Pruning and Training Affect Yield but Not Machine Harvest Efficiency of `Meeker' Red Raspberry

`Meeker' red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cane densities of 5, 10, or 15 canes/hill in a hill system, with canes topped at 2 m or the entire cane length retained and looped, were compared with a 15- or 30-cm-wide hedgerow with canes topped at 2 m from 1995 to 1997. Cane density among all treatments ranged from 2.2 to 9.9 canes/m2 during the study. Plots were harvested by machine every 2 days. Within the hill system, total yield increased with cane density in all years. Looped treatments produced a higher yield/plot than did topped ones in all years except 1996, when the yield difference was insignificant because looped canes had greater winter injury. Weight per fruit ranged from 5.4% to 9.7% less on looped than on topped canes. Hedgerow systems had a lower yield than hill systems in 1996, but a higher yield in 1997. Losses due to machine harvest were not affected by pruning (cane density or topping) or production system (hill system or hedgerow) and averaged 16.2% of total yield in 1997. Thirty-five percent of the loss due to machine harvest occurred between harvests.