BLACKBERRY RESEARCH IN ARKANSAS AND OKLAHOMA

Authors: Perkins Veazie, Penelope; CLARK, JOHN - UNIV OF ARKANSAS

Submitted to: Proceedings of the North American Bramble Growers Association Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/10/2005
Publication Date: 6/6/2005
Citation: Perkins Veazie, P.M., Clark, J.R. 2005. Blackberry research in Arkansas and Oklahoma. BRAMBLE: Newsletter of the North American Bramble Growers Association, Summer 2005. p. 9.

Interpretive Summary: Researchers in Oklahoma and Arkansas have collaborated in the selection of blackberry fruit suitable for shipping. Breeding and selection of promising seedlings is done in Arkansas and fruit quality and shelf life of selections is done in Oklahoma. These efforts have yielded several varieties that can be shipped across the United States and represent the opportunity for expanded blackberry acreage for commercial fruit production.

Technical Abstract: Researchers in Oklahoma and Arkansas have collaborated in the selection of blackberry varieties with excellent shelf life. Methods for shelf life evaluation include the presence or absence of mold, leak, and soft berries over several harvest seasons. Several varieties, including Navaho, Arapaho, and Apache, are now used for commercial production of fruit for shipment to distant markets and have expanded fresh market blackberry acreage in the U.S.