Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

1. Identification and origin

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), belonging to the Rosaceae family, is native to temperate regions of Europe and Western Asia, especially mountainous and forest areas. The genus Rubus includes hundreds of species and hybrids, but R. idaeus is the most widely cultivated species for the commercial production of red raspberry. There are two large groups of varieties: primocane (everbearing, fruiting on the canes of the current year) and floricane (non-everbearing, fruiting on the canes of the previous year).

2. Economic importance

The raspberry is a small fruit of high commercial value, much sought after for fresh consumption, freezing, jams and pastry. Countries such as Serbia, Poland, Russia, the United States, Mexico and Portugal stand out in production. The market has grown due to the interest in fruits rich in antioxidants and to the increase in demand for premium berries.

3. Botanical characterisation

A perennial shrub with a long-lived root system and biennial aerial canes. The first-year canes (primocanes) are vigorous and vegetative; the second-year ones (floricanes) produce flowers and fruits before dying. The leaves are compound, with serrated margins. The flowers are white and hermaphrodite. The fruit is an aggregate of drupelets, hollow inside, of red, yellow or black colour, depending on the variety.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers cool temperate climates, with winters cold enough to fulfil the dormancy period. It is sensitive to very high temperatures and to drought. It requires deep, well-drained soils, rich in organic matter and with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The raspberry is very sensitive to waterlogging and compaction, requiring regular and controlled irrigation.

5. Main pests

• Spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii): perforations and rapid deterioration of the fruits.
• Mites (Tetranychus urticae): chlorosis and loss of vigour.
• Aphids (Amphorophora idaei, Aphis idaei): leaf curling and virus transmission.
• Weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.): root damage and defoliation.
• Fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata): occasional attacks in Mediterranean regions.

6. Main diseases

• Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea): the main disease in raspberry, affecting flowers and fruits.
• Cane blight (Didymella applanata): necroses and death of canes.
• Downy mildew (Peronospora sparsa): leaf spots and premature drop.
• Root rot (Phytophthora fragariae var. rubi): root rot in poorly drained soils.
• Viruses (RBDV, RLMV, RMV): mosaics, chlorosis and reduced productivity.

7. General crop management

This includes choosing varieties adapted to the local climate, installation in well-drained soils, training on a trellis system, differentiated annual pruning for primocane and floricane, frequent but controlled irrigation, balanced fertilisation, monitoring of pests and diseases, and careful harvesting to preserve fruit quality. Canopy ventilation and humidity control are essential to reduce fungal diseases.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database. Rubus idaeus – pests and diseases.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Rubus idaeus – datasheets.
• Dale, A., & Daubeny, H. A. (2007). Raspberry breeding. In: K. M. Folta & C. Kole (Eds.), Genome Mapping and Molecular Breeding in Plants: Fruits and Nuts (pp. 255–280). Springer.
• Hummer, K. E., & Barney, D. L. (2002). Raspberry and blackberry production. HortTechnology.
• Jennings, D. L. (1988). Raspberries and Blackberries: Their Breeding, Diseases and Growth. Academic Press.