Earlier Raspberry Production Using High Tunnels

Primocane raspberries avoid winter injury by fruiting on first year canes, but fruit production in Northern Utah is later than needed for local markets. Early spring heat could help to maximize primocane growth and promote earlier production. We conducted a study using a combination of high tunnels with either low tunnels or floating row covers to advance primocane growth and yield. Low tunnels and row covers were removed when cane heights were 25 cm. Cane height was measured weekly until fruit production began. As fruit began to ripen, the high tunnel frames were covered with shade cloth to minimize sunburned drupelets. Cane growth, fruit yield, fruit size and harvest season were compared to field plots. Primocane growth was advanced by as much as 60 cm, with fruit yields as much as 26 days earlier under high tunnels compared to the field (Caroline). Total and marketable yields were increased under high tunnels. Early spring heat with high tunnels represent an opportunity to shift primocane raspberry production earlier in the season to address local market needs in Northern Utah