One of the cultivation methods that is increasing among berry growers around the world is the “long cane production system”, a technique that involves the production of long canes with flower buds in one season followed by a cold storage of the plant to force fruit production. 

  

If you are about to venture into raspberry cultivation in substrate this article is for you. Here you’ll find guidance and relevant information on long-cane raspberry production, as well as technical specifications of Plantlogic´s growing containers specially designed to enhance this growing technique. 

Raspberries are perennial shrubs with canes often reaching more than 6 feet native to Europe and North Asia that belong to the Rosaceae family, in the genus Rubus. Although this plant usually grows in temperate climates, it can also be cultivated in tropical climates under the right conditions. In addition, due to new soilless cultivation techniques, it is possible to increase raspberry yields to obtain greater quantity and better-quality fruits. 

 

Why grow raspberries in pots? 

Soil infertility and soil contamination are two of the main reasons that have led growers to start cultivating raspberries in pots. One of the main advantages of growing raspberries in pots is the flexibility and efficiency of moving the plants around, as well as the manipulation of the harvest season by cold storing plants. 

Although cultivation in pots is more expensive than traditional cultivation in soil, the high yields and the quality of the fruit obtained may offset these costs. According to Eric Hanson, from the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University, another factor that has promoted the cultivation of raspberries in pots is that growers can gain more revenue by producing organic raspberries since price is about 30% higher than conventional prices. 

 

Long cane raspberry production 

One of the cultivation methods that is increasing among berry growers around the world due to the market demand for fresh fruit throughout the year, is the “long cane production system”, a technique that involves the production of long canes with flower buds in one season followed by a cold storage of the plant to force fruit production. By varying the duration of cold storage, and hence the time of forcing, the harvest season can be varied widely. 

 

Successful long cane production requires a seasonal temperature program that provides the right temperature for vigorous cane growth in early and mid-summer, followed by reduced temperatures in late summer and fall to ensure consistent and early flower formation. 

One of the crucial steps when growing long cane raspberries is the ability of raspberry canes to be stored in viable conditions, and meeting the chilling requirement of the plant, preventing growth, desiccation, and disease while the plant is stored, as well as avoiding low temperature injuries. For all these reasons, selecting the appropriate growing container is a task that should not go unnoticed to ensure success in all production phases.  

 

Raspberry pots for long cane production 

In order to implement this technique without setbacks is mandatory to use containers that offer the right conditions for optimum plant development in terms of root oxygenation and drainage, as well as excellent performance in warm and cold conditions that prevent the pots from breaking due to maneuvers and drastic temperature changes.  

 

4.7-liter square pot  

Plantlogic´s 4.7-liter pot is ideal for young plants as it allows maximum use of space and utilization of substrate for the proper development of the plant. Due to its high cold storage efficiency more pots can be stored per bin. Up to 160 units per bin if cane is 1.32 meters, or 120 units per bin if the cane is 1.5 meters. 

Since plants require a support system that facilitate their optimal development and reach an adequate height, these pots feature hooks for stabilization that allow them to be hung easily to trellis wire, stabilizing pots to prevent tipping over young canes. Irrigation will also be easier due to its optional 20 mm U-grooves for better placement of irrigation pipes.  

 

Its pyramid base forces the water to drain at the outside edges, minimizing wet zone, and its 1 inch (25 mm) high legs prevent root contact with soil and pathogens. In addition, this container is designed for easy repotting into our 7-liter pot. 

 

7- liter square pot  

Plantlogic´s 7-liter square pot for cold storage is ideal for long cane raspberry production in substrate, due to its exclusive design developed to maximize drainage and oxygen uptake to maintain healthy roots and plant vigor. Pyramid base forces the water to drain at the outside edges, minimizing wet zone, and its 1.18 inch (3 cm) tall legs prevent root contact with soil and pathogens.  

Just like our 4.7-liter version, this pot features a high cold storage efficiency that allows to store more units per bin and its hooks for stabilization that allow them to be hung easily to trellis wire, stabilizing pots to prevent tipping over young canes.  

 

 

Another special and optional feature is its 20 mm U-grooves for better placement of irrigation pipes. In addition, both versions easily fit on a single and double channel metal gutter. 

 

 

To learn more about our specialized pots for raspberry long cane production in substrate, at Plantlogic we can guide you in your agricultural project by offering high-value solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today!