2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this study are to develop best irrigation and fertigation practices and weed management systems in organic ‘Marion’ and ‘Black Diamond’ machine-harvested for processing. In addition to developing a feasibility study and cost analysis for organic trailing blackberry production, we will evaluate the impact of post-harvest irrigation on plant growth, yield, and quality, ascertain the incidence of cane disease, and determine the impact of weed presence on productivity. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) A new planting will be established at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center on land in “transition”. Planting will be in spring 2010 such that the first fruit harvest in 2011 will be organic (certified by Oregon Tilth). Treatments include: cultivar (‘Marion’ and ‘Black Diamond’); irrigation (post-harvest and no post-harvest irrigation); weed management (weed mat, hand-hoed, and non-weeded); and primocane training date (August and February). Documents Grant with Oregon State University. 3.Progress Report The objectives of this study are to develop best irrigation and fertigation practices and weed management systems in organic ‘Marion’ and ‘Black Diamond’ blackberries machine-harvested for processing. In addition to developing a feasibility study and cost analysis for organic trailing blackberry production, we will evaluate the impact of post-harvest irrigation on plant growth, yield, and quality, ascertain the incidence of cane disease, and determine the impact of weed presence on productivity. A new planting was established at the NWREC on land in “transition” in spring 2010. Treatments include: cultivar (‘Marion’ and ‘Black Diamond’); irrigation (post-harvest and no post-harvest irrigation); weed management (weed mat, hand-hoed, and non-weeded); and primocane training date (August and February). Plants are drip irrigated and fertigated using hydrolyzed fish fertilizer. The water and nutrient status of the plants will be monitored seasonally to establish whether water and nutrient requirements are adequately met. Irrigation will be controlled and metered separately for cultivar and post-harvest irrigation treatments. Plots will be harvested by machine in 2011 and 2012 and evaluated for marketable yield, fruit size and quality, and machine-harvest efficiency. Methods of ADODR monitoring included meetings, e-mail, phone calls and site visits.