Preliminary results of primocane-fruiting red raspberry cultivars in Sicily

The vegetative and productive behaviour of eight primocane-fruiting red raspberry cultivars (Rubus idaeus L.) -- 'Autumn Bliss', 'Galante', 'Heritage', 'Joan Squire', 'Polana', 'Ruby', 'Scepter' and 'Sumo' -- in a mild climatic area of Eastern Sicily, unsuitable for the summer-fruiting cultivars, is reported. Raspberries were planted in December 1998 (0.5 x 2.5 m) and drip irrigated. Each cultivar was cultivated for double production (summer and autumn crop), topping at 60 cm 12 canes/m, and for single autumnal production, pruning all the canes at ground level. The different harvesting evolution showed the characteristics between the tested genotypes and the two systems of pruning adopted. In particular, 'Scepter' and 'Autumn Bliss' had a remarkable vegetative growth and the highest yield was supplied by 'Ruby', 'Polana' and 'Autumn Bliss' for double cropping and by the first two for the single autumnal production. Meaningful differences in the fruit size and in chemical characteristics were also evidenced. Results showed a good adaptability of the primocane-fruiting red raspberry to the climatic conditions of the area, denoting the possibility to improve production by using different ways of training for the extension of the commercialisation period.