Blackberry Ahmad AbuMadi 1

Scientific classification KingdomPlantae ClassAngiosperms SubclassEudicots OrderRosales FamilyRosaceae GenusRubus speciseR.fruticosus Binomial name Rubus fruticosus 2

▪ Blackberries are erect, semi-erect, or trailing, generally thorny shrubs, producing renewal shoots from called “canes”. ▪ The plants are perennial, composed of biennial canes which overlap in age. Individual canes grow vegetatively for one year, initiate flower buds in late summer, fruit the following summer, then die. The first year canes are called “primocanes”, and in the second year when they flower, “floricanes”. 3 Description

Leaves ▪ The blackberry leaves are arranged alternately along the stem with each leaf consisting of 3 to 5 leaflets. ▪ The compound leaves are heavily toothed on the edges, somewhat prickly, and bright green in color. ▪ Blackberry and raspberry plants may be difficult to tell apart; however, blackberry leaves are light green in color on the underside, while raspberries have silvery undersides. 4

Flower ▪ White to pink flowers are borne terminally. ▪ Blackberry flowers generally have larger petals than those of raspberries. Flowers are initiated in late summer in biennial types. The gynoecium consists of ovaries, each of which develops into a drupelet. There are stamens, five sepals and five petals. 5

Fruit ▪ In all brambles, the fruit is an aggregate of drupelets. Blackberries retain the receptacle within the fruit at harvest. Fruiting begins in the second year of the planting, and continues for >10 years if properly managed. Fruit development occurs rapidly, taking only days for blackberries 6

Pollination ▪ Most cultivars of blackberries are self-fruitful and do not require pollinizers. Honey bees are naturally attracted to brambles, and wind also aids pollination. 7

Propagation ▪ Leafy Stem Cuttings. ▪ Root Cuttings. ▪ Suckering. ▪ Tip Layering 8

Fertilization ▪ Blackberries do not require much fertilizer. Blackberry roots are located close to the surface, and excess fertilizer can burn leaves or even kill plants. Fertilizer can be applied in an 18-inch ring surrounding a plant. Do not apply fertilizer at planting in the winter; rather, wait until late spring or summer. 9

Training and Pruning ▪ Erect or Semi-erect Blackberries Blackberry plants are perennial plants that can live for many years. During the establishment year, blackberry plants produce shoots from the buds and perhaps from root suckers adjacent to the crown of the plant. During the first year, shoots elongate but do not produce berries. For erect or semi-erect blackberries, it is advisable to cut the tip off after they reach a height of 30– 36 inches to promote lateral branching. Blackberries produce fruit on canes, known as floricanes, that were formed the previous year. 10

Cutting the tip off primocanes to promote lateral branching and enhance flower bud initiation increases yield considerably. After fruiting, floricanes dry up and die. Primocanes bear fruit the following year. It is advisable to prune out and remove all floricanes. Ideally in a healthy blackberry stand, five to six canes should exist per foot of row.

▪ Trailing Blackberries Trailing blackberries require a trellis. Otherwise, canes tend to grow on the ground. Many trellis designs have been used, and well anchored. Interior posts may be smaller. Post spacing should be about 20 feet apart. One may construct a single-wire system with wire about 5 ½ feet above the ground or a two-wire vertical system with wires 2 ½ and 5 ½ feet above the ground. Blackberry canes can be gradually wrapped around the wires. 12

Irrigation ▪ Irrigation is a requirement for consistent blackberry production. Irrigation and weed control are the two most important cultural practices during the establishment year. Drip irrigation is preferable to overhead irrigation as drip irrigation conserves water, does not wet blackberry foliage (which can enhance disease), and does not promote excessive weed growth. Irrigation frequency can vary from once every two days during a summer. 14

Production and Harvesting ▪ Blackberries are generally harvested by hand. Generally, they must be picked once or twice a week during the harvest period. They turn from red to black before they are fully ripe. Blackberries are extremely perishable and must be handled with care. Growers often pick fruit during the early morning or even at night when temperatures are low. Blackberries should be marketed immediately after picking or refrigerated at 32°F–40°F. 15

▪ Harvest seasons are cultivar and location dependent. The harvest season of most cultivars lasts about three to four weeks. it’s ripen during April and May. 16

Planting and Spacing ▪ Planting is best performed from December through February. Upon arrival, bare-root plants should be kept moist but not wet. During planting, do not allow the blackberry roots to dry out. Cut back the shoots to about 6 inches in length and plant to the same depth they were in the nursery. Spread the roots around the hole, but try to avoid excessive root bending. Remove air pockets by compacting the soil. 17

Root stock ▪ Bare Root Stock (BR) - this stock originates in the tissue culture lab where it is virus indexed and propagated to allow clones of individually indexed stock plantes to be planted. The grower then receives the first generation from this stock which has been grown in the nursery for two years. ▪ Tissue Culture Stock (TC) - this stock originates in the tissue culture lab the same as the bare root stock. Tissue culture plants however are grown in 2" x 2" cell trays under controlled conditions inside a greenhouse. These plants have never been outside so have not be subjected to any of the elements. These plants are sold mainly as dormant plugs. ▪ Nursery Matured Stock (NM) - The stock is a tissue cultured plug plant that has been set out in the nursery for 8-10 weeks. They have a well developed root system and a strong stem. They are sold as a dormant plant.

Nutrient value 20 Water (%)81-84 Calories57-73 Protein (%) Fat (%) Carbohydrates (%)14-16 Crude Fiber (%)< 1 Vitamin A3-4 Thiamin, B12 Riboflavin, B23-6 Niacin2.5-5 Vitamin C40-56 Calcium3-4 Phosphorus2.5 Iron9 Sodium<1 Potassium4 per 100 gram:

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