Arkansas blackberry research to take stage at June 10 field tour
From robotic harvesters to more than 43 developed varieties, blackberry research is big in Arkansas, and it will all be on display at a June 10 field tour at the Fruit Research Station in Clarksville.
The annual Blackberry Field Tour, co-hosted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association, will kick off at 1 p.m. with a blackberry taste test and a blackberry disorder demonstration, followed by presentations and a tour of the blackberry research being conducted at the Fruit Research Station operated by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
“We host this field day in partnership with the Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association every year so we can give growers, industry professionals and researchers an up-close look at our ongoing research trials and the current developments of the breeding program,” said Amanda McWhirt, Extension horticulture production specialist for the division of agriculture. “We appreciate the opportunity to bring together growers from across the state to network, share ideas and taste blackberries developed in Arkansas.”
Cost for the field tour is $20, with dinner provided. Those interested can register online.
Agenda
- 1 p.m. registration opens
Blackberry tasting, blackberry fruit disorder demonstration
- 1:30 p.m. Welcome and Announcements
- 2 p.m. Promotional Activities for June and Membership Update, Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association
- 2:45 p.m. What Makes a Great Blackberry? Demonstration of Fruit Quality Evaluations, Carmen Johns and Rhys Brock, both Division of Agriculture
3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. field tour
- Updates on Robotic Harvesting, Anthony Gunderman, University of Arkansas, and Renee Threlfall, Division of Agriculture
- Herbicide Injury ID, Hannah Wright Smith, Division of Agriculture
- Disease Management Considerations, Sara Villani, North Carolina State University
- In-Season Blackberry Nutrient Management, Amanda McWhirt, Division of Agriculture
- Insect Management Reminders, Aaron Cato, Division of Agriculture
- Tour of Advanced Blackberry Selections, Margaret Worthington, Division of Agriculture
5 p.m. dinner
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, contact [email protected] as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
Sara Cato is with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
