Drastic summer pruning and production of blackberry cultivars in subtropical areas

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate pruning managements of blackberry (Rubus spp.) cultivars, subjected to drastic summer pruning, in subtropical regions. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, in a 7x2 (pruning x cultivars) factorial arrangement, in the municipality of Lavras, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Comanche, Caingangue, Choctaw, Tupy, Guarani, Brazos, and Cherokee cultivars were used, receiving conventional pruning (control) and drastic summer pruning. Phenological, vegetative, and productive data were evaluated on the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 production cycles, as well as the fruit physicochemical attributes and disease incidence in the last production cycle. Drastic summer pruning increases the production of cultivars in subtropical regions. There is no difference in the quality of fruit harvested from plants subjected to the evaluated pruning systems. Drastic summer pruning is not effective in the reduction or the control of diseases.