Abstract

The growth of primocanes in raspberry stools (cv. Glen Clova) with a normal complement of fruiting canes (annual system) was compared with that in stools from which all fruiting canes were removed prior to the start of the growing season (biennial system). The latter treatment led to the production of more primocanes, but their average height was less, largely because of reduced internode length. The total weight of primocane material produced in the biennial system was about 30% greater than that from the annual. In the absence of fruiting cane, specific leaf areas of the primocanes were lower. Both this effect, and the shortening of the internodes, are attributed to better light conditions in the biennial system.