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Evaluation and Validation of Long Cane Raspberry Production System in Ohio

Applied Research

Gary Gao
Professor and Extension Specialist
Ohio State University South Centers
Piketon

Abstract

Long cane raspberry production system is a new raspberry production method where raspberry bushes with long floricanes (5 feet and 10 inches) are produced in open fields, greenhouses, or high tunnels. These plants are then harvested after the leaves fall off in autumn, stored in coolers at about 29F in winter, and then shipped to growers in spring for planting and fruiting in summer. Growers can plant these ready-made bushes with fruiting canes in a soilless media and a protected environment like a high tunnel or an unheated greenhouse or even under solar panels for fruit production in summer and fall to extension fruit harvest season, improve fruit quality, increase yields, and mitigate risks. The long cane raspberry plants were purchased from Canada, potted in coco coir with perlite, placed under “raspberry umbrellas,” and fertigated with greenhouse-grade fertilizers with three different injectors. Based on our trials supported by two Ohio Specialty Crop Block Grants during the last five years, this innovative production system can be profitable in Ohio. The highest total yield achieved in our trial was 1.12 kilogram per cane. According to several growers in Canada, the grower average is 1.2 kilogram per cane. Some growers can produce as much as 1.5 kilograms per cane there. The breakeven yield is 0.8 kilogram per cane. Long cane raspberry production system has a steep leaving curve. In addition, raspberry plants prefer temperatures in the 70s. Hence, the pullout date of April 1 is much better than May 1. During the hot days in summer, two spotted spider mites can be a serious pest in high tunnels or raspberry umbrellas. One key point for perspective growers to remember is the long cane raspberry plants to be planted need to be ordered a year ahead to guarantee plant availability.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: Gary Gao, Clifton Martin, Ryan Slaughter, Thom Harker, Dane Peck
  1. Gao, G. Professor and Extension Specialist, OSU Extension - Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio, 45661
  2. Martin, C. Extension Educator, OSU Extension - Muskingum County, Ohio, 43701
  3. Slaughter, R. Extension Educator, OSU Extension - Ross County, Ohio, 45601
  4. Harker, T. Research Associate, OSU South Centers, Ohio, 45661
  5. Peck, D. Research Assistant, OSU South Centers, Ohio, 45661