Author
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Makus, Donald |
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Submitted to: International Journal of Fruit Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/14/2010 Publication Date: 6/1/2010 Citation: Makus, D.J. 2010. Weed control and canopy light management in blackberries. International Journal of Fruit Science. 10(2):177-186. Interpretive Summary: About 18,000 acres of blackberries are grown successfully in mostly temperate areas of the United States. In addition to weed management issues, blackberries grown at their southern limits (zone 9b) can experience high summer temperatures which can be detrimental to berry size, yield and quality. Blackberry plants grown in South Texas in 2009, with the dual application of white plastic used for weed control, and shading used to cool ripening fruit, significantly out-produced plants grown by conventional methods. Fruit quality also was generally improved. Technical Abstract: Weed control in blackberries (Rubus spp.) is a serious problem for organic producers and those who wish to reduce their reliance on herbicides. At the southern limits of blackberry production, late season yields are reduced because of high day-time temperatures generated by solar irradiation and other environmental constraints. In a field experiment using ‘Kiowa’ root cuttings established in 2008, weeds were controlled mechanically by hand and with an industrial grade laminated white plastic. In spring 2009, plant volume and leaf area were improved by use of white plastic. Early season flowering on 30 Mar. and the number of red fruits on 27 Apr. were increased by white plastic. After the third harvest on 19 May, half of the weed control plots were tented with 40% shade cloth for the remaining 7 weekly harvests, resulting in improved cumulative yields from both white plastic weed control and shading. Shade reduced ripe fruit temperatures by 3.4 C (P= 0.0002) regardless of weed control method. The percentage of reflected light through the canopy was improved by white plastic and was not influenced by shading (P=0.001). Air movement over the canopy (not replicated) was reduced 30% by shading. White plastic alone improved the cumulative season yield by 86%, while shade alone increased season yield by 34%. The combined use of white plastic and shade increased season total yield by 142% or 4.4 Mt / ha compared to current production practices (bare ground and no shading). Late season average fruit weight, % SS, and berry juice yield (ml/g fruit) were improved by shade application. |
