Blossom and Ripening Periods of Blackberry Varieties in Brazil

Abstract

In the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, fruticulture has been increasing and diversifying for the past several years. Blackberry appeared to be a viable crop to growers, however there were no experimental data. The objective of this work was to evaluate phenological phases of the blackberry varieties on Poços de Caldas’ Plateau. This work was carried out on the Epamig Experimental Farm in Caldas (MG) during 1997/1998 and 1998/1999. Phenophases of 7 varieties (Brazos, Comanche, Ebano, Caingangue, Guarani, Tupy and Cherokee) and one selection (97) were evaluated. Following conclusion were drawn: ‘Brazos’ and ‘Comanche’ were the earliest cultivars; the beginning of blackberry harvest in Poços de Caldas took place about one month before the production of Rio Grande do Sul State, the largest Brazilian producer; the earliest varieties Comanche and Brazos blossomed between late August and early September.