Alternatives for trellis systems and pruning of Blackberry: yield and fruit quality in the Southwest region of Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

Abstract The cultivation of blackberry trees has been increasing in Brazil, making it necessary to establish management and crop treatments in order to enhance its production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the production and quality of blackberry fruits cv. ‘Tupy’ regarding pruning seasons and trellis systems in the Southwest region of Mato Grosso do Sul. The experiment was developed with evaluations in two production cycles (2013 and 2014). Three trellis systems were studied: C1 – Double-wire trellis, C2 – single-wire trellis, and C3 – ‘T’ trellis; and the following three winter pruning times in both production cycles: P1: 07/12; P2: 07/27; and P3: 08/11. Production performances were similar within each year. In 2013, the harvest period ranged from 10/22/2013 to 01/07/2014, while in 2014 the period ranged from 09/24/2014 to 12/12/2014. In 2014, the highest fruit production per plant occurred when P3 was performed. Cultivation using the Double-wire trellis system (C1) produced 11,669.43 and 3,465.98 kg, while the single-wire trellis system (C2) produced 11,965.53 and 3,373.87 kg in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The highest pH of fruits was observed when pruning was conducted in P1 using the ‘T’ trellis system. Double-wire trellis contributes in higher results of production blackberry in the Southwest region of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Keywords

• Double-wire trellis
• early harvest
• small fruit