PIKETON, Ohio – Berry producers can learn about potential benefits and drawbacks of early harvest thanks to research at the Ohio State University Centers at Piketon.
This and other research at the center will be highlighted July 18 during the Horticulture and Soil and Water Resources Night. The event will be held at the center, located at 1864 Shyville Road, just off of U.S. Route 32 in Piketon.
Early harvest. Black raspberries typically are not harvested until several years after the brambles are planted, said Shawn Wright, an Ohio State University Extension horticulture specialist.
Researchers at the Center harvested black raspberries early in hopes of benefiting local berry growers.
“Growers may be able to recoup some of their investments quicker by not waiting until the third year,” Wright said.
“It’s not done commonly, but with increasing costs of production, anything will help.”
Three years. Brambles usually are planted the first year, pruned the second and allowed to produce berries the third. Growers do not get a full crop the second year because the brambles are establishing their crown and root systems, Wright said. The “baby crop” would aid in getting income to the grower a year early.
“Some growers think that it’s not worth the risk to the plant, but if you need cash for your operation, this may be a way to do so,” Wright said.
The experimental brambles will be monitored to see if the earlier berries affect the traditional eight-year production cycle.
Other topics. Along with the bramble research, the field night will highlight topics ranging from black berry variety trials to fertilization application to produce for an ethnic market. The public event, which begins at 6 p.m., is free.
For more information, contact Shawn Wright by e-mail at wright.705@osu.edu or by phone at 740-289-2071.
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