Hand and Mechanical Pruning of Thorny, Erect-Type Blackberries in Alabama

Abstract

Two thorny, erect blackberry cultivars were subjected to four pruning methods and evaluated for yield, berry characteristics and plant vigor in 1991 and 1992. The pruning treatments consisted of: (1) hand pruning spent floricanes immediately after harvest in the summer, summer topping primocanes to 120 cm, and pruning lateral branches to 45 cm during the dormant period (standard hand pruning); (2) hand pruning dead floricanes during the dormant period, summer topping primocanes to 120 cm, and pruning lateral branches to 45 cm during the dormant period (dormant hand pruning); (3) mechanically pruning dead floricanes and primocanes to 30 cm immediately after harvest in the summer; (4) mechanically pruning dead floricanes and primocanes to 15 cm immediately after harvest in the summer. Standard and dormant hand pruning resulted in the highest yields and simulated mowing to 15 cm resulted in the lowest yields for both cultivars tested. The amount of yield reduction from mowing due to reduced primocane vigor indicated that one year of profitable production will probably be lost. Berry characteristics were not affected by pruning method. Dormant hand pruning of dead floricanes appears to be the most economically viable alternative pruning method relative to removing the dead floricanes in the summer.