Abstract

Major problems include some aspects of the growth pattern and morphology of the raspberry, the effects of fungal infection of wounds on young canes, losses of fruit during harvest and the difficulties of discriminating between sound ripe fruit and fruit which is under-ripe or damaged. Solutions or partial solutions have been found for these problems; engineering developments have eliminated young cane damage, reduced fruit losses and improved the prospects of better discrimination. Agronomic developments offer similar benefits and opportunities of further mechanization in raspberry culture; plant breeding has produced cultivars with flexible pedicels and fruiting laterals, easy berry abscission and superior fruit quality. A highly mechanized system of growing and harvesting raspberries is now available, the adoption of which will depend upon social and economic factors.