Evaluation of row spacings and support systems for autumn-fruiting raspberries

Abstract

The effects of three inter-row spacings (3 m, 1.5 m, and 0.75 m), and two support systems (training vertically or on a V-shaped trellis) on total yield, yield components, and ease of hand picking of autumn rasperries (Rubus idaeus L. ‘Heritage’) was investigated in a 3-year field trial in Canterbury. In the first year, number of fruiting canes/m2 and yields/ha were both increased as row spacings were reduced from 3 to 0.75 m. However, in the second and third seasons, although these parameters were increased as spacings were reduced from 3 to 1.5 m, a further reduction in spacing to 0.75 m had no effect. Neither the number of berries per fruiting cane nor yield per fruiting cane were significantly affected by row spacings, although there was a tendency for mean berry weight to increase as row spacing was reduced. Reducing row spacing from 1.5 to 0.75 m made access to rows difficult and reduced picking rate. Training canes on a V trellis had no significant effect on any of the measured parameters at either the 3 m or 1.5 m spacings. It was concluded that if straddle sprayer equipment was used, yields of autumn raspberries could be maximized by planting them as close as 1.5 m apart. © 1988 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.