Raspberry Cultivar ‘Glen Ample’ Growing Under High Tunnels in Latvia

Raspberries are among the most important berry crops in Latvia, but innovative solutions for their growing have not been very popular due of high implementation expenses. Use of rain shelters or other ways to protect berry production from unfavourable weather conditions can significantly increase their quality and consumer acceptance. The aim of this study was to compare different cover systems and assess their suitability for raspberry growing in Latvia. The study was conducted at the Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing. The cultivar ‘Glen Ample’ was grown in two types of high tunnels: Haygrove IV series and FVG (Folien-Vertriebs GmbH), and in open field. The temperature and air humidity regime in high tunnels promoted cane growth resulting in increased number of fruit laterals and yield, as well as weight of berries. Floricane length and number of fruiting laterals was significantly higher than in the open field. Similarly, the average berry weight and yield per row meter was significantly higher in tunnels than in open field, in both years of the evaluation.