ARS | Publication request: Response of blackberry cultivars to fertilizer source in an organic production system

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 14, 2012
Publication Date: June 18, 2013
Citation: Fernandez-Salvador, J., Strik, B., Finn, C.E., Bryla, D.R. 2013. Response of blackberry cultivars to fertilizer source in an organic production system. Meeting Abstract. Meeting booklet.

Technical Abstract: The effect of fertilizer source on growth, yield, and quality of four blackberry cultivars is being evaluated at an organic grower cooperator site established in 2010 in Jefferson, Ore., USA. Fertilizer (acid-stabilized, hydrolyzed fish; pelletized soybean meal; and pelletized, dried, poultry manure) was applied at a rate of 52 kg/ha N in spring 2011 to early- (‘Obsidian’), mid- (‘Marion’ and ‘Black Diamond’), and late-season (‘Triple Crown’) blackberries. Our goal is to determine whether nutrient release rate and plant uptake vary based on the source and physical properties of the fertilizers used and if this is evidenced by variations in plant nutrient status, growth, yield, and fruit quality among the cultivars. Data on plant growth (cane length and number), soil nutrient status pre- and post- fertilizer application, leaf tissue nutrient concentration, yield, fruit weight, percent soluble solids, and firmness were collected. Botrytis fruit rot reduced fruit quality of early-season ‘Obsidian’, but two applications of fungicide reduced incidence of fruit rot in ‘Triple Crown’. Results on yield, berry weight, and fruit quality will be presented.