Purchase The Print Version of Saskatoon Berry Production Manual For $15. Buy It On-Line WWW - Rtw.ca/b238

Purchase the print version of Saskatoon Berry Production Manual for $15.
Buy it on-line www.rtw.ca/b238

Saskatoon Berry
Production Manual
Robert Spencer Linda Matthews Bob Bors Clarence Peters
Published by:
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Information Management Division
7000 – 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6H 5T6
Editor: Chris Kaulbars

Graphic Designer: John Gillmore
Page Production: J.A. Serafinchon
Copyright © 2013. Her Majesty the Queen in right of Alberta (Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development). All
rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without written permission from the
Information Management Division, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
No Endorsement Given: This publication should not be taken as an endorsement by Her Majesty the Queen
in right of Alberta of the products or services mentioned herein.
Disclaimer: Responsibility for interpretation or application of the content contained in this publication rests with
the user. Information in this publication is provided solely for the user’s information and while thought to be
accurate, is provided strictly “as is” and without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Her Majesty, the
publishers and contributors to this publication, and their agents, employees or contractors will not be liable to
you for any damages, direct or indirect, or lost profits arising out of your use of this publication.
ISBN 978-0-7732-6101-3
Printed in Canada
Copies of this publication may be purchased from:

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Acknowledgements
The authors of the Saskatoon Berry Production Manual gratefully acknowledge the help and support of others
in developing this book:
• Perry Millar
• Anthony Mintenko, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
• Forrest Scharf, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
• Dr. Ken Fry, Olds College
• Greg Pohl, Canadian Forest Service
• Nathan and Gillian Spencer
• Saskatchewan Cultural Industries Development Fund
• Saskatchewan Publishers Group
• Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Thanks are also extended to the many contributors of photos for this publication. The photo credits
acknowledging the providers are listed with each of the images in the book.
Special Acknowledgement
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development would like to acknowledge the significant foundational work of the
University of Saskatchewan and its Domestic Fruit Program towards the Saskatoon berry industry and the
development of this resource.
Contents
Introduction....................................1 Seed-propagated plants and
juvenility.............................................14
Biology...........................................3 Clonal plants and precocity.................. 15
Vegetative and
reproductive buds................................ 3 Cultivars......................................17
Primary bud break.................................. 3 Cultivar descriptions............................. 17
Honeywood....................................................... 17
Secondary bud break............................. 6 JB30.................................................................. 18
Martin................................................................ 18
Leaves....................................................6
Nelson............................................................... 19
Flowers and fruit..................................... 6 Northline............................................................ 19
Pembina............................................................ 20
Pollination...............................................7 Smoky............................................................... 20
Thiessen........................................................... 21
Propagation...................................9 Other named cultivars.......................... 21
Rooting ability and stock Most commonly planted cultivars......... 22
plant etiolation...................................... 9
Stool bed preparation............................. 9 Orchard Establishment................25

Softwood cuttings................................. 10 Climatic considerations........................ 25
Mist bed structure................................. 11 Site selection........................................25

Topography....................................................... 25
Misting schedule................................... 12 Row orientation................................................. 26
Soil.................................................................... 26
Tissue culture.......................................13
Shelterbelts....................................................... 26
Seedling plants versus clonally Water availability............................................... 27
propagated plants.............................. 13 Planting time.........................................27
Plant variability between a seedling Hardening off plants.......................................... 28
orchard and a clonal orchard............. 13 Pre-planting preparation................................... 28
Planting............................................................. 28
Degree of variability among Traditional planting............................................ 29
seedlings............................................14 Deep planting: an experimental
method......................................................... 29
Deep planting: open furrow method.................. 29
Calculating number of plants................ 30
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Cultural Practices........................33 How much to prune and when.............. 51
Dormant season................................................ 52
Water management.............................. 33 Bud break.......................................................... 52
Non-dormant pruning........................................ 52
Drip irrigation .......................................33
Buried drip irrigation lines................................. 35 Pruning recommendations for
Saskatoon berry growth phases........ 52
Dryland orchards.................................. 35
Plant establishment phase: first or second
Fertility..................................................36 dormant season............................................ 52
Training phase: non-fruiting years.................... 53
Soil fertility program.......................................... 36
Maintenance phase: fruiting/reproductive
Soil pH.............................................................. 37
years............................................................. 54
Iron chlorosis/lime-induced chlorosis................ 37
Rejuvenation phase of overgrown
Soil salinity........................................................ 38 hedgerows.................................................... 55
Tissue analysis and plant nutritional status ..... 38
Nutritional deficiency symptoms....................... 38 Advantages of burning......................... 57
Weed control........................................40
Winter Hardiness and Frost
Cultivation......................................................... 40
Herbicides......................................................... 40 Tolerance.....................................61
Mulching............................................................ 40
Winter hardiness.................................. 61
Grass, cover crops and mowing....................... 41
Frost tolerance and injury symptoms .. 61
Pruning........................................43
Diversity ...............................................62
Why prune fruit shrubs......................... 43
Pruning basics for fruit production ....... 43 Pests and Diseases.....................63

Equipment and supplies.................................... 43 Pest and disease management ........... 63
General pruning practices................................. 44
Saskatoon berries in the wild............................ 45 Pest management practices ................ 63
Why prune Saskatoon berries.............. 45 Pest management systems.................. 63
Pruning objectives for commercial Conventional pest management system .......... 63
Saskatoon berry production......................... 45 Organic pest management and production
Effects of pruning.............................................. 46 system ......................................................... 64
Integrated pest management system................ 64
Basic pruning cuts and techniques ...... 48
Removal cuts.................................................... 48 Insect pests..........................................64
Heading cuts..................................................... 49 Pests that feed on buds, flowers
and fruit........................................................ 64
Growth habits of Saskatoon berries..... 50 Apple curculio................................................... 64
Branching habits of Saskatoon berries ............ 50 Cherry shoot borer............................................ 66
Suckering habits of Saskatoon berries ............ 51 Hawthorn lacebug............................................. 67
Fruiting habits of Saskatoon berries................. 51 Hawthorn weevil................................................ 68
Leafrollers, numerous species.......................... 69
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McDaniel spider mite and two-spotted Processing..........................................102
spider mite.................................................... 70
Saskatoon bud moth......................................... 71 Fresh product.....................................102
Saskatoon sawfly ............................................. 73 Freezing.......................................................... 102
Tarnished plant bug/Lygus bugs....................... 75
Woolly elm aphid and woolly apple aphid......... 76 Value-added products......................... 102
Food development centres............................. 103
Diseases...............................................79
On-farm food safety........................................ 104
Bacterial blast................................................... 79
Blackleaf/witches’ broom.................................. 79
Brown fruit rot or mummyberry......................... 81
Marketing...................................105
Cytospora canker and dieback......................... 81 Markets...............................................105
Entomosporium leaf and berry spot.................. 82
U-pick or pick-your-own ................................. 105
Fireblight........................................................... 85
Farmers’ markets............................................ 105
Powdery mildew................................................ 87
Farm gate sales.............................................. 106
Saskatoon juniper rust...................................... 87
Wholesale....................................................... 106
Restaurants and hotels .................................. 106
Harvest........................................89 Processors...................................................... 107
Harvesting............................................89 Exporting............................................108
Ripening...............................................89 Health/nutritional benefits................... 108
Uneven ripening................................... 90
Glossary....................................109
Hand harvesting................................... 91
Pre-picking........................................................ 91 References................................110
Pick-your-own or U-pick.................................... 91
Mechanical harvesting.......................... 94 Appendix................................... 111

Choosing the right harvester............................. 95
Upright harvesters............................................. 97
Sideways harvester........................................... 97
Post-harvest................................99
Post-harvest deterioration ................... 99
Field heat..............................................99
Harvest timing to reduce cooling

requirements....................................100
Removing field heat............................ 100
The sorting line...................................100
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Introduction
Saskatoon berries have been a part of the Because plant health is a concern for all growers,
Canadian prairie landscape and culture for the various common diseases and pests of
generations and generations. Over the last 30 Saskatoon berries are outlined, complete with
or more years, a sizable industry has developed colour photos for identification according to different
around this traditional prairie fruit. In addition, a symptoms.
significant amount of research and experimentation
Once the Saskatoon berry crop is ripe, growers need
accompanied this industry development.
to focus on harvest and post-harvest management
This manual represents a comprehensive resource concepts as well as basic marketing. These sections
for new and existing Saskatoon berry growers. in the manual provide the practical information
It delves into the biology of the plant, both from needed for growers to succeed in these areas.
a basic, whole plant level through to a detailed
The information provided in the Appendix is
examination of how the plant will respond to
supplementary resource material that can be
practices such as pruning.
accessed at any time.
The process of propagation is outlined, including
This manual can be used as a comprehensive
a comparison of seedling versus vegetatively
informational guide for new growers or for those
propagated material. The manual compares the
establishing an orchard from the ground up. It will
various commonly grown cultivars for various
also be a valuable reference tool for growers with
characteristics and takes growers through orchard
specific needs.
establishment and cultural practices for the
maintenance of a healthy orchard. There is also
a comprehensive outline of pruning techniques,
including how pruning affects an orchard and when
pruning should be carried out.
1
Biology
Saskatoon berry plants are 1 to 5 m tall Primary bud break
(3 - 16 ft.) shrubs with alternately arranged buds
Plants break bud in early spring. Initial, or primary,
and leaves. Flowers and fruit form in clusters on
bud break, which occurs from late April to early
the branches. Plants may be 3 to 6 m (10 - 20 ft.)
May, produces the inflorescence and two or three
wide if left unpruned.
basal leaflets. The time period for the bud stages
The reddish purple to black, fleshy, berry-like fruit described in Table 1 is approximately two to three
contains several seeds. Branches are smooth with weeks in an average year, but cold or warm spring
chocolate brown colouring, and twigs are reddish temperatures can cause this period to vary.
brown.
Saskatoon berries are prone to uneven ripening,
which may be due to uneven bloom time. It is
Vegetative and therefore possible to have some buds in different
stages on the same bush, with the buds on the south
reproductive buds
side more advanced than those on the north side
An understanding of the bud stages is important for and growth on outside branches more advanced
the proper timing of sprays for pest management than inside ones.
(see Appendix 1.11). Knowing the bud stages
of the crop is also significant for predicting and Also, budding in different varieties and in orchards
understanding frost damage as well as the timing of in different locations may not occur at the same
harvest operations. time (see chapter on Orchard Establishment). When
estimating the bud stage for the crop, it is important
During the first two development years of plants to judge what stage most of the buds are in.
growing from suckers or root cuttings (clonal plants),
all the alternately arranged buds produced on new
shoots are juvenile tissue or leaf or vegetative
buds. During the first three to four years of seedling
plant development, all the buds produced on new
shoots are juvenile tissue. Once the clonal or
seedling plants have passed the juvenile stage of
development, all the buds are mixed fruit-leaf buds,
and the plants will begin to produce fruit in addition
to leaves.
3
Table 1. Stages of Saskatoon berry bud and inflorescence development
Bud Stage Bud Stage
1. Dormant bud 4. Full green

Buds as they appear Bud scales expelled,
over winter. first sign of all the
Bud scales closed. basal leaflets that
remain tightly folded
No sign of opening or
over the flower buds.
breaking dormancy.
2. Silver tip 5. Tight cluster

Indicates a break in Basal leaflets open
dormancy. and unfold displaying
Dense, silver, hairy tip the full tight cluster of
emerging from apex of individual flower buds.
bud scales.
3. Green tip 6. Pink or white tip

First sign of individual Pink tips of petals
basal leaflets emerging (some clones are
from apex of mixed pure white) appear at
fruit bud and showing the apex of individual
distinct separation. florets.
Difficult to distinguish Bud cluster expands
due to hairy leaflets. to form a loose
inflorescence.
4
Table 1. Stages of Saskatoon berry bud and inflorescence development
Bud Stage Bud Stage
7. Balloon 9. Petal fall

Petals expanded but Petals expelled from
remain closed over the floral cup.
floral cup. Sepals (calyx) fully
Inflorescence almost exposed.
fully extended. Undeveloped fruit.
Anthers and stigma
protected and hidden.
8. Full bloom
Petals fully expanded
and fully open.
Anthers and stigma
displayed.
Photos: Robert Spencer
5
Secondary bud break known as stigmas and 20 pollen-producing anthers
(Figure 2). Saskatoon berry plants produce flowers
Secondary bud break occurs just after petal fall
from early May to early June on wood that is at least
when vegetative shoots extend to increase the size
one-year-old.
of the plant. These vegetative shoots are produced
from axillary buds at the base of one or more basal
leaflets on the dominant fruiting inflorescence.
Leaves
Leaves are simple, with smooth, rounded margins at
the base and serrated teeth at the apex. Leaves are
variable in size, ranging from 1 to 5 cm (0.5 - 2 in.) in
length (Figure 1).
Flowers and fruit Figure 2. Reduced panicle: buds or flowers open

White (and occasionally pink) flowers are 8 to from top to bottom.
12 mm (0.3 - 0.5 in.) across. They are arranged in
what is described as a reduced panicle, a terminal The fleshy purple fruit sometimes has a whitish
bud that opens first (followed by those on the lateral bloom and is a round, berry-like pome (fruit with a
branches) and has an occasional branching habit. central core containing seeds) with several seeds
(Figure 3). Individual fruit size varies from 6 to
Individual flowers are held on a stalk within the
16 mm (0.2 - 0.6 in.) across, and the size is relative
cluster. Each flower has 5 petals with a green sepal
to the number of developing seeds (ovules).
positioned between each petal, 5 pollen receptors
Large-sized fruit has more seeds per berry.
Figure 1. Saskatoon berry leaf has serrated teeth towards leaf tip on a Smoky cultivar. Photo: Bob Bors
6
Buds to berries
First bud break
• flowers open
• basal leaflets open just prior to petal tips
emerging
Second bud break

• leaf buds elongated and cylindrical and lie flat
against the stem
• leaves occur singly or alternately on stem
Figure 3. A slight whitish bloom can be seen on this Leaf shape

cluster of mature Thiessen fruit. Photo: Bob Bors • circular or slightly ovate
• margins serrated or singly toothed; teeth most
Saskatoon berry fruit has three stages of pronounced at top leaf
development that exhibit a sigmoidal (“S” shaped)
growth pattern. During stage one, fruit growth begins
slowly, then shows an increase; stage two, fruit Flowers
growth is fairly constant; stage three exhibits rapid • 5 green sepals and 5 white petals with
or exponential growth. 10 to 20 stamens and a central pistil
• clustered along a central stem; cluster called
a raceme
Pollination • easily killed by frost
Pollination is achieved by the transfer of pollen from
the anthers to the stigma in the same flower. Wild
plants exhibit two types of flowers: narrow, deep Fruit
floral cups, which may favour self-pollination, and • botanical name: a pome
wide, open shallow floral cups, which may not favour • frosts soon after flowering may damage
self pollination. immature fruit
Studies at the University of Saskatchewan • bloom or waxy covering
determined that the flower structure encourages • stalk (pedicil) 1 cm (0.4 in.)
insect pollination and that flowers are predominantly • clusters (racemes) hold 3 to 18 berries
self-pollinated; however, cross-pollination does • ripen 6 to 8 weeks after flowering
occur. • single berry:
- 78 % to 81 % water
Floral scents differ from cultivar to cultivar, and these - 19 % sugar
scents determine the type of pollinators attracted to
• benzaldehyde produces the characteristic
the flowers. Some florets are scentless while others
flavour and fruit fragrance
are strongly scented, either sweet scented or
foul scented.
Moonlake, for example, is a sweet-scented cultivar
that attracts an abundance of pollinators, including
many types of bees. A carrion-scented variety,
which is covered with flies during flowering, has
been encountered in the Qu’Appelle Valley of
Saskatchewan.
7
Propagation
Most orchardists do not find it economical to
propagate their own plants because the process
requires special equipment, skills and time. The Northline exception
Furthermore, some Saskatoon berry varieties
It is rare in the world of fruit varieties to have a
are protected by agreements with nursery
variety true from seed.
associations such as the Canadian Ornamental
Plant Foundation. In the early days of the Saskatoon berry
industry, many growers planted seedling
While this section is a guide for nurseries, it is hoped
orchards and were disappointed by the lack
that the average grower will recognize the level of
of uniformity. At Paul Hamer’s Saskatoon
expertise required and be willing to buy plants from
Farm near Calgary, Alberta, researcher Bob
specialized propagators. This section will also help
Bors inspected several acres of Northline
growers understand what it is they are buying –
seedling orchards that were uniform. Today,
be it cuttings or tissue culture plantlets – and the
the Saskatoon Farm only uses seed from
advantages and disadvantages of each.
orchards that grow Northline isolated from all
For growers, having plants that are uniform in size other varieties.
and shape is important for mechanical planting.
Uniform fruit and ripening date are also important
for mechanical harvesting, while fruit consistency
is important for processing. To achieve these
necessary features, the vegetative propagation of
Rooting ability and stock
superior varieties is recommended, as opposed to
propagation using seedlings. plant etiolation
The rooting ability of plants is improved when
Softwood cuttings can be the most economical
cuttings are obtained from etiolated tissue, a process
method of vegetative propagation. However,
where stock plants grow in the absence of light.
tissue culture is the preferred method of vegetative
Cuttings are grown in a stool bed, which is prepared
propagation to obtain large quantities of disease-
by cutting a Saskatoon berry shrub to ground level
free plants. With the possible exception of Northline
and covering it with a black polyethylene tent. New
Saskatoon berries, it is not worth grower time and
shoot growth is allowed to grow under the cover
effort to grow from seed because the variability in
for four to six weeks, and then light is introduced to
seed-grown plants means many will not be suitable
allow the plants to re-green.
for commercial purposes (see the section on Seed-
propagated Plants later in this chapter).
Stool bed preparation
1. Cut dormant mature shrubs (older than three
years) to ground level in early spring.
2. Cover the cut shrubs with 6 mil black
polyethylene supported with wire hoops to form a
tunnel or tent structure.
3. Ventilate the polyethylene tent with a chimney
constructed by taping black plastic pipes 5 cm
(2 in.) in diameter to a bamboo stake; secure the
apparatus in the centre of the polyethylene tent.
9
4. Place plastic pipe ventilation devices at the base
of the tent.
5. Allow etiolated growth to reach approximately
10 cm (4 in.) in length (approximately 4 to 6
weeks) before it is allowed re-green.
6. Re-green by cutting small windows in the north
side of the tent so that direct sunlight does not
reach the etiolated growth.
7. Remove the new green shoots after a week and
prepare the softwood cuttings.
8. Remove the plastic tents from the stock plants or
they will overheat.
Plant cut to soil line; it will be covered with black
plastic tent.
Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings taken from etiolated tissue are
capable of growing roots. Here is the recommended
procedure.
1. Immediately place the cuttings in water to ensure
they remain turgid (firm and fluid-filled).
2. Take the cuttings to a potting area when as many
as needed have been gathered.
3. Dip the cut end in 3,000 to 10,000 ppm liquid
rooting hormone (IBA) or Number 2 or 3 of
powdered rooting hormones.
4. Place the cuttings in Spencer-LeMaire
Black tent covering plants cut to soil line. RootTrainers or other deep containers filled with
well-drained rooting medium such as Promix-1 or
Sunshine #1. Deep containers will direct the new
growth downward.
5. Immediately place the cuttings into a mist bed
(instructions below). Cuttings will root by August.
Then, growers have three options:
a. Plant the rooted cuttings into the field in late
August, and keep the transplanted cuttings
well watered and free of weeds.
• With the arrival of cold weather, mulch the
cuttings with peat moss and wood chips.
• Secure the area with wire mesh to prevent
rodent damage.
Cut-out rectangles for re-greening plants – new
shoots from these plants will be good softwood
cuttings, capable of creating roots.
Figure 4. Stool bed process. Photos: Rick Sawatzky.
10
b. Alternatively, remove the plastic covering from • polyethylene or shade cloth to make a cover
the mist bed (below) and overwinter cuttings
• mist nozzles to provide the moisture
in it.
• a solenoid valve and controller to automate mist
c. Or, move the cuttings to a special holding area
cycles
for the winter, for spring planting.
• a heating cable to provide bottom heat
Mist bed structure • a thermostat to control the temperature of the

heating cable
A mist bed supplies cuttings with bottom heat to
accelerate rooting and enough moisture to prevent • a water source such as a hose bib
dehydration (see Figure 5).
• timers that will automatically turn the system on
Growers will need the following materials to build a and off for an intermittent period – these timers
mist bed: are obtained from greenhouse supply companies
and are not the same type as used for irrigation
• a concrete or wood frame (do not use pressure-
treated or creosote-treated wood) – growers can • copper tubing and a length of garden hose
design the dimensions to suit their own needs
Diagram from Dwarf Sour Cherries: A Guide for Commercial

Production, 2004. Adapted with permission from University of
Saskatchewan Extension Press.
Figure 5. Mist bed.
11
Water flows continuously to a solenoid valve that is Misting schedule
controlled by two clocks wired in series. After flowing
When propagating for trials at the University
through the solenoid valve, water travels through a
of Saskatchewan, the following mist bed spray
garden hose to the mist bed location where it flows
schedule was used. Because several other species
into a copper tube running the length of the bed. The
are propagated in the same unit, this set-up has not
water is emitted through brass mist nozzles inserted
been specifically tailored to any particular fruit crop.
into the tubing.
When using a mist tent, it is important to control
overheating by ventilating the tents. Raise the
polyethylene covering at the sides of the mist
tent near the staked ends, and do not allow the
temperature in the mist bed environment to
exceed 40°C (105°F).
Table 2. Misting schedule
Weeks Misting Amounts
1-4 Mist cuttings for 20 seconds

every 5 minutes, 24 hours
a day.
Greenhouse interior mist bed with heating coils
5-8 Reduce the mist frequency
covered by sand, which helps spread heat evenly.
to 20 seconds every 7
Photo: Bob Bors.
minutes, 24 hours a day.
After week 8 Reduce the mist frequency

until well rooted to 20 seconds every 10
minutes during daylight
hours only.
Continue misting at this
frequency until the cuttings
are well rooted.
After well rooted Remove polyethylene cover

and set the mist clocks to
water the cuttings twice a
day.
See the previous Softwood
Cuttings section for
instructions on planting
Outdoor mist beds with shade cloth and aluminum outdoors.
hoops. Photo: Robert Spencer.
Every week the Fertilize the cuttings with a
Figure 6. Mist beds. plants are in the dilute solution of 20-20-20
mist bed soluble fertilizer.
Sanitize the cuttings
with Rocal or Skyclean
disinfectant to prevent algae
growth.
12
Tissue culture not genetically identical. Although the differences
between some seedling plants may be subtle or
Tissue culture or micro-propagation refers to in vitro
almost invisible, plants grown from seed are not true
culture of plant tissue. Micro-propagated plants are
to type. Each has a unique genetic makeup, even
produced in sterile conditions on an artificial growing
though the seeds may have come from the same
medium, which rapidly produces large amounts of
row of plants or even from the same plant. Some
genetically identical, disease-free planting stock.
seedling plants, however, may be markedly different
While the traditional method of making cuttings in outward appearance.
works well in early summer, tissue culture allows
Clonally propagated plants are derived from micro-
propagation to be done year-round, and thus, it is
propagation, softwood and hardwood cuttings,
possible to propagate large numbers of plants on
layering, root division and grafting. These plants are
a yearly basis. This feature is the main reason for
identical to the parent plant. Any variation among
using tissue culture plants.
clonally propagated plants in the field results from
The Saskatoon berry nursery industry does not environmental factors.
have a disease-free certification program, but
putting plants into tissue culture assures the
nursery operators that no diseases can infect them Plant variability between a
because all plants going into tissue culture are seedling orchard and a clonal
surface sterilized. If a diseased plant slips by and is orchard
placed in tissue culture, the plant usually performs
An orchard planted with seedlings will exhibit greater
poorly and is discarded. The tissue culture process
variation in plant characteristics and growth – either
removes almost all insects, mites, viruses, bacteria
subtle or drastic – than an orchard planted with
and fungi, making tissue culture stock a source of
clones.
disease- and pest-free material for propagation.
Most seedling orchards will have greater variation in
However, just because a plant came from tissue
anthesis (flowering period), fruit size, colour, quality
culture does not mean it is now immune to diseases.
and maturation than a clonal orchard.
It can still contract diseases like any other plant once
it is in the field.
Micro-propagated shrubs are available for sale as
plugs (container grown) and as potted plants. Often,
tissue culture companies sell plugs (also called
liners) wholesale to smaller nurseries, which then
plant them in larger pots and grow the plants for an Coming in from the wild
extra year or more. The larger bushes cost more and “Most cultivars of Saskatoon berries grown
may not be economical for professional orchardists, at present are based on selections from the
but may be attractive to gardeners who only want a wild – someone walking in the bush noticed a
few plants that are more mature. plant that was quite superior to its neighbours
Tissue culture plants are available from licensed in fruit production, dug up a sucker, and
propagators (see Appendix 1.3). brought it home. Only a few named cultivars
have been the result of deliberate selection
from test plots.” Martin was developed
Seedling plants versus clonally from a Thiessen seedling selected by the
propagated plants Saskatchewan horticulturalist Dieter Martin
(Sara Williams)
Plant characteristics between seedling plants and
clonally propagated plants differ. Parkhill and Success likely are hybrids of
Amelanchier stolonifera and A. alnifolia. All
Because seedling plants are derived from sexual
other cultivars are hybrids of A. alnifolia
recombination during the process of sexual
(B.J. Weir).
reproduction, seedling Saskatoon berry plants are
13
Degree of variability among
seedlings
The degree of variability among seedlings depends
on the characteristics of the source plant (clone or
cultivar), the amount of cross-pollination occurring
at the source and, most importantly, whether the
variety is itself a hybrid between two plants with
many differences.
For example, if a short, small-berry bush were
crossed with a tall, large-fruit bush, the hybrid may
be medium height with medium-sized fruit. However,
Figure 7. Differences in maturation can be seen it also possible for the hybrid bush to be a small,
in the different heights of these Smoky seedlings.
medium or tall bush that produces small, medium or
Photo: Clarence Peters
large fruit. And the genetics within the seeds from
While differences in leaf size and colour are the hybrid bush might produce any combination
inconsequential, differences in plant size and plant of bush size and fruit. When adding the genetic
shape will have an effect on orchard management. possibilities for early and late fruiting, different
Variation in plant height and shape in a hedgerow flavours and other characteristics, a grower could
will require additional pruning and shaping to have an orchard with wide variation that may be
accommodate mechanical harvesting. challenging to manage.
However, fruit variability in a seedling orchard is If the original plant from which seeds were gathered
more critical to the orchardist than plant variability. was the result of many generations of shrubs that
Increased variation in fruit characteristics, especially have exhibited little variation or if the original plant
in size and weight of fruit, has been noted on were hybridized with similar plants, a grower could
seedling plants compared to cultivars or plants expect the resulting seedlings to be rather uniform.
derived from controlled crosses. Observations of seedling orchards of Smoky and
Northline are much more uniform, while Thiessen
In mature seedling orchards with obvious differences and Martin display wider phenotypic variation.
in fruit quality among the plants, some of the plants Bearing this factor in mind when buying plants, it is
may be ignored by U-pick harvesters. Variable worthwhile to inquire whether the plants are clones
fruit maturation dates between seed-propagated or seedlings.
plants will require additional harvest dates, resulting
in additional harvest costs. There may also be
increased handling costs and losses from fruit culling Seed-propagated plants and
due to variation in fruit maturity, size and colour. juvenility
Slight or marked variation in fruit flavour is also Seed-propagated plants pass through three phases
found in a mature seedling orchard. Differences in of development:
fruit sugar content and acidity may not be apparent • an immature or juvenile growth phase with no fruit
to the orchardist but are of utmost importance to fruit bud production
processors. In some mature seedling orchards, the
fruit may be too variable to satisfy the requirements • a brief transitional growth phase where fruit bud
of processors, thereby limiting market opportunities production begins
for producers (U-pick, farmers’ markets). • a mature growth phase where the plants fruit
Clonally propagated orchards should avoid many readily.
of the above issues; however, over the long term,
Besides lacking reproductive capability, juvenile
there should be little difference in total yield between
plants are also smaller in size than mature plants
seedling and clonal orchards, provided seedlings are
and may have larger, hairy, uniquely shaped leaves.
from a reliable and isolated source.
14
A feature of seed-propagated plants is that they
never lose their juvenility at the base of the plant. If
seedling plants are pruned to the base of the plant
(to the root crown), as is done in renewal pruning
or the complete takedown of a hedgerow, the new
replacement shoots produced from the base of the
plants will display the same juvenile characteristics
as before the takedown. This characteristic will result
in a delayed return to fruit production, which can
have a financial effect.
Clonal plants and precocity

Although seed-propagated plants pass through
the three phases described above in an orderly
manner, clonal plants exhibit varying growth
stages that depend on the growth stage of the
source material. In general, clonal plants are more
precocious, that is, they begin to produce fruit readily
one to two years sooner than seed-propagated
Saskatoon berries.
15
Cultivars
Saskatoon berry cultivars were selected Cultivar descriptions
from the wild for desirable fruit and/or plant
The following guidelines were applied in the
characteristics: fruit size, yield, flesh colour,
descriptions below:
flowering time and harvest date. Taste attributes
such as sugar content and acidity were also • Height: mature trees
noted. Plant size also varies among cultivars.
• Yield: varies from year to year – low yield
2,250 kg/hectare (2,000 lb./acre), high yield
6,730 kg/hectare (6,000 lb./acre)
• Taste: determined by sensory analysis
Characteristics Features
Honeywood
Fruit • deep blue with dark purple skin when ripe

• fruit size 13 to 15 mm (0.5 - 0.6 in.)
• full flavoured, tangy
• very high yield
• large fruit clusters
Bush • height: 5 m (16 ft.)

• spread: 4 m (13 ft.)
• upright, spreading structure
• low suckering
Uses • fresh eating, processing
Other features • blooms later than other cultivars thereby

potentially avoiding damage by spring frosts
• uneven ripening characteristics make it more
suitable for U-pick orchards
Photo: Bob Bors
17
JB30
Fruit • deep blue when ripe

• average fruit size 17 mm (0.7 in.)
• wild flavour
• high yield

• compact bush
• low suckering
Other features • compact bush, large fruit
Photo: Jarvis Blushke
Martin
Fruit • deep blue skin when ripe

• fruit size 15 mm (0.6 in.) or larger
• excellent flavour, considered fresh and juicy
• medium yield
• more uniform ripening within fruit clusters

• round bush
• moderate suckering
Other features • more uniform ripening

• Saskatchewan selection, Thiessen parentage
Photo: Bob Bors
18
Nelson

• fruit size 13 mm (0.5 in.)
• tangy flavour, acidic
• fleshy fruit
Bush • height: 4.5 m (15 ft.)

• spread: 4.5 m (15 ft.)
• uniform growth habit
Other features • some resistance to juniper rust

• flowers and fruits about one week later than
other cultivars; may avoid spring frosts
Photo: Bob Bors
Northline

• fruit size 16 mm (0.6 in.)
• full flavoured, sweet
• very high yield
• fruits at a younger age than other cultivars

• high suckering
Other features • suitable to both hand and mechanical harvesting

• suggested to have very uniform seedling plants
Photo: Bob Bors
19
Pembina

• full flavoured, tangy to moderately sweet
• high yield
• slightly oval fruit produced on long clusters

• upright, slightly spreading structure
• produces few suckers
Uses • fresh eating, processing; ornamental
Other features • low suckering habit makes it suitable for home

gardens
Photo: Bob Bors
Smoky

• mild, sweet flavoured; described as fleshy
• very high yield
Bush • height: 4.5 m (15 ft.)

• spread: 4.5 m (15 ft.)
• suckers profusely
Other features • blooms later than other cultivars thereby

potentially avoiding damage by spring frosts
Photo: Bob Bors
20
Thiessen

• excellent flavour, described as fresh and juicy
• high yield
• uneven ripening

• round bush
• low suckering
Uses • fresh eating, favoured by processors
Other features • uneven ripening characteristics makes it more

suitable for U-pick orchards
• early flowering makes it susceptible to damage
from spring frosts
Photo: Bob Bors
Other named cultivars

Table 3 below describes some other named
Saskatoon berry cultivars that are available but are
not as commonly grown as those described above.
Table 3. Comparison of some less frequently grown Saskatoon berry cultivars
Cultivar Fruit Size Flavour Yield Characteristics
Moonlake 16 mm sweet and mild medium sporadic production

(0.6 in.)
Parkhill* medium sweet and mild medium/low smaller bush with Entomosporium
resistance.
Regent 13 mm high sugar, mild medium good ornamental value

(0.5 in.)
Thiessen RS 15 - 18 mm good flavour high low growing

(0.6 - 0.7 in.)
*Yield varies from year to year – low yield: 2,250 kg/hectare (2,000 lb./acre), high yield: 6,730 kg/hectare (6,000 lb./acre).
Adapted from Guide to Fruit Production 2007 and Prairie Plant Systems Inc. 2006.
21
Thiessen is known for its large berries. A fast
growing, upright plant, Thiessen can only be
Ornamental Saskatoon mechanically harvested with an upright harvester.
berry cultivars For a hand-pick or U-pick operation, the larger
berries mean people can fill their buckets faster.
Altaglow and Paleface are two ornamental Because the berries are softer than other varieties,
Saskatoon berry cultivars. These erect shrubs they are better for blending and making sauces,
grow in a pyramidal shape to about 7 m (22 ft.) salad dressing or juice. The large berries are
in height. They are not self-pollinating but are impressive in pies. Growers who grow cultivars other
readily pollinated by blue-fruited cultivars. The than Thiessen suggested that its fruit was larger
berry is white when ripe and about the same because of extra water, which they felt reduced the
size as the blue Saskatoon berries. Though flavour.
edible, the fruit is rather bland. Their best
feature is the brilliant foliage in fall: it changes Growers of Smoky mention flavour as the reason for
from green to purple to red and then to yellow. growing them. Since Smoky was the first Saskatoon
berry cultivar, there are many customers who are
familiar with it and ask for it. The bush habit is similar
to Northline.
Parkhill was noticed in 2009 and 2010 as having
superior resistance to Entomosporium. In the past,
Most commonly planted cultivars
its resistance was noted in reports of the Native Fruit
When choosing a cultivar, it is important to consider Development Program. In 2010 at the University
the harvesting method (see the Harvest and Post- of Saskatchewan, it was the best looking of all the
Harvest chapters) and what the crop will be used for. varieties during that wet season. The 7-year-old
It is also important to consider the typical flowering bushes were smaller than most, being about 1 m
and harvest dates of the various cultivars. (4 ft.) tall. However, the bush has a nice shape for
To mitigate risk (spring frost, variable yields, etc.), better air penetration and ease of harvesting. It
it is often recommended that growers consider could be an ideal selection for homeowners.
planting more than one cultivar. This approach All growers felt the cultivars they grow are the
spreads out the flowering and harvest period and best tasting.
can prevent a complete loss in the case of crop
failure.
In general, the top three cultivars on the prairies are
Northline, Thiessen and Smoky. Preferences and
reasons for choosing cultivars vary from farm to farm
and grower to grower.
Many growers prefer Northline because the plants
are less expensive when grown from seed. Its
smaller bush with many suckers means growers can
use a sideways harvester. Northline also requires
less pruning because growers want the rows to grow
wide for using the sideways harvester. Firm fruit,
whether hand-picked or harvested mechanically,
does not tear as much as other varieties, which
reduces the amount of rot that can set in during
processing. Firm fruit also enhances pie quality.
22
Grower feature
Jarvis Blushke’s JB30
JB30 is one of the more recent cultivars to be
introduced commercially, and it has burst onto
the horticultural market after years as a best-
kept secret.
JB30 is a selection collected 25 years ago
from the North Saskatchewan River Valley by
Jarvis Blushke of Langham, Saskatchewan,
where one of the first neighborhood U-pick
operations for Saskatoon berries had been
established.
Subsequently, the Native Fruit Development
Program of the University of Saskatchewan,
under Richard St-Pierre, compared 15 mature
cultivars at 2 sites over a 5-year period. The
study evaluated yield, fruit size, ripening
(evenness and date) and shoot growth.
The cultivars with high yield and large fruit
size: JB30, Thiessen and Martin. The cultivars
with earliest fruiting time: JB30, Thiessen,
Martin and Honeywood.
Upon completion of the study, JB30 was
recommended for commercial propagation.
23
Orchard Establishment
Climatic considerations as a minimum goal. A good site with optimum
conditions will yield a long-term, productive and
The Canadian prairies are situated in the northern
profitable orchard.
temperate climatic zone with a short growing
season. Temperatures can fluctuate from 40°C Orchards will be exposed to a variety of climatic
(104°F) in summer to minus 40°C (minus 40°F) conditions, and it is important to limit the effects of
in winter. However, rapid temperature fluctuations climate. When choosing an orchard site, a grower
such as those found in the Chinook region of the should consider the following factors:
Canadian prairies are often more damaging to
• topography
orchards than the slower, more measured, changes
in temperature extremes. • soil type
In spite of these extremes, a grower can establish a • protective shelter (shelterbelts, natural or planted)
successful long-term venture by carefully selecting
• availability of adequate quantity of quality water
an orchard site with optimum conditions and by
using good cultural practices.
Topography
The ideal orchard site has a northeast or east slope,
Site selection preferably overlooking a river or body of water. This
The selection of an appropriate site is of the utmost location provides adequate air and water drainage
importance since the site enhances productivity, because dense air at ground level flows downhill into
thereby increasing profit margins. A life expectancy a frost pocket, and excess water drains to the base
of 25 to 35 years for the orchard should be sought of the slope.
Figure 8. An ideal site for an orchard – the Saskatoon Farm orchard, near Dewinton, AB, is on a plateau below
a shallow hillside and overlooks the Highwood River. Photo: Bob Bors
25
Another ideal site faces northeast or east with a
more moderate slope ranging from 1 to 5 per cent.
This slope aspect offers protection from sunscald, Soils
winter damage, frost damage, heat and drought
Sandy soils drain quickly, are easily worked
stress, and provides calmer conditions for pollinator
and warm up faster in the spring. They have
activity.
low moisture-holding capacity, low nutrient-
Other suitable orchard sites are flat terrain or flat holding capacity and are subject to wind
terrain at the top of low, gently sloping hills, with erosion.
a slope direction between north and east and
Clay soils have high moisture-holding and high
northwest.
nutrient-holding capacity. They warm up slowly
Avoid southeast and west slopes because these in the spring and may have poor drainage.
exposures often lack adequate snow cover in winter
Fruit production guides universally discourage
and are exposed to the predominant desiccating
growing fruit crops in clay soil. However, deep
west and northwest winds. Southeast and west
clay soils with low amounts of rainfall, such as
slopes also induce early flowering, which increases
the soils found on much of the prairies, may be
the potential for frost damage and increases the risk
fine for fruit growing. However, growers should
of sunscald injury.
avoid fruit growing in pure clay soils in regions
Avoid northern slopes because they do not provide where rainfall is plentiful or on the Canadian
adequate sunlight for photosynthesis. Finally, Shield where the soil is shallow.
avoid plantings at the bottom of slopes because
these areas are susceptible to frost damage and
waterlogged soil.
The following characteristics describe ideal soil:
Row orientation
• well drained
Row orientation will influence light penetration
and air circulation. Saskatoon berries planted in a • sandy loam or loam texture
north-south row orientation receive maximum light
• no perennial weeds
penetration into the canopy whereas rows planted
in an east-west row orientation receive maximum air • a pH near 7.0 (6.0 - 7.5 to maximize nutrient
flow, due to the prevailing winds. availability)
However, if growers have sloped land, it is best to • organic matter levels between 2 to 3 per cent
plant in such a way as to allow cold air to drain out (very important with clay or sandy soil)
of the orchard, while minimizing soil erosion and
The type of soil affects the water and nutrient-
making mechanical harvesting easier. This approach
holding capacity, which, in turn, determines the
may involve orienting rows diagonally down the
irrigation schedule and fertilization requirements.
slope, rather than planting following the contour or
Sandy soils drain faster than clay soils, thus
planting rows directly down a steep slope.
requiring more frequent irrigation.
Soil A complete soil test is recommended before making

In general, cultivars appear tolerant of most types a final decision for an orchard site. See Appendix
of prairie soils. A soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal 1.2.1 for a list of companies that perform soil tests.
for growing Saskatoon berries. However, Saskatoon
berries have been grown successfully in fine clay Shelterbelts
soil with a pH of 8. Shelterbelts create beneficial micro-climates for fruit
production on the prairies and should be considered
Avoid planting in saline or waterlogged soil because
an essential part of any prairie fruit orchard. Multi-
the root systems are sensitive to poorly drained or
row shelterbelts provide the best protection, and
wet soil.
each unit of shelterbelt height gives 3 to 5 times its
26
height in terms of distance of protection (e.g., 1 m
(3 ft.) gives 3 - 5 m (10 - 16 ft.) of protection).
Ideally, shelterbelts should be in place before
planting and should surround the orchard. However,
crops such as corn and tall sunflowers can be used
for temporary shelterbelts. Artificial shelterbelts
(windbreaks) can be used in the absence of trees
(see Figure 10).
On the lower part of a slope, shelterbelt plantings
should be spaced an adequate distance away from
the orchard plantings to permit ample air drainage,
so the shelterbelt planting does not act as a cold air
trap.
Figure 10. An artificial shelterbelt at the CACDI
Place shelterbelts perpendicular to prevailing winds
Irrigation Demonstration Farm at Lethbridge, AB.
to reduce wind speed, which, in turn, controls Photo: Troy Ormann
erosion, reduces the wind chill factor and desiccation
(drying), and prevents mechanical wounding or Plant rows of fruit trees 15 m (50 ft.) away from
damage caused by rubbing or breaking branches. shelterbelts. This distance provides adequate turning
Reducing wind speed also increases the amount of space for mechanical harvesters and prevents
snow accumulation in winter, which contributes to damage to fruit tree branches from large snowdrifts
stored soil moisture and in summer, enhances flower that accumulate on the leeward side of shelterbelts.
pollination by insects. Consult provincial government contacts for current
Shelterbelts should not be completely solid as some information on shelterbelt planning and planting.
amount of airflow is beneficial. If possible, place
gaps or spaces in shelterbelts to allow air into and Water availability
out of fields. When assessing potential orchard sites, growers
need to consider the availability of water. Will the
orchard require irrigation? If so, how easy will this
procedure be? What are the costs? Is there a good
supply of quality water at the location?
Watering practices and irrigation will be discussed
in more detail later in this manual (see the section
on Water Management in the Cultural Practices
chapter).
Planting time
Plant plugs or container-grown shrubs. Choose
healthy plants with a well-developed root system.
Planting can occur in spring, in August or in the
dormant (early spring or late fall) season. Dormant
plant material is usually planted in early spring or
late fall.
Plugs planted in August should have fertilizer
Figure 9. A mature shelterbelt protects a withheld so as not to encourage late-season growth.
mixed-crop orchard at Sweet Berry Meadows
near Nipawin, SK. Photo: Bob Bors
27
Continued production of top growth means the Pre-planting preparation
plants may not become fully dormant and may result When preparing to plant, ensure the planting site
in winter dieback. is both free of perennial weeds (see the section on
Weed Control in the Cultural Practices chapter) and
Some nurseries take actively growing greenhouse
has been worked sufficiently to ensure the planting
plants that have been growing during the winter
bed is ready to receive transplants. This preliminary
and place them in cold storage for six weeks before
work may involve one to two years of site and soil
delivery. This method induces dormancy in the
preparation.
plants and, in effect, provides them with a
“winter rest.” Skimping on preparation can cost growers in
terms of time and effort required in future years
When planted in the spring, these plants break
and may well make the difference between having
dormancy, put on more shoot growth and will
a thriving, established orchard or a weak, problem-
produce a larger plant at the end of the growing
plagued one.
season (sometimes twice as large as those without
the cold treatment). There is an additional cost for
this handling, and growers have to arrange for the Planting
cold storage treatment in advance. In wild stands, Saskatoon berry plants normally grow
in dense thickets where new plants are established
Actively growing plants that have recently come out from rhizomes originating from the crown of the
of tissue culture are not as expensive as dormant mother plant. Cultivars, particularly seedlings, retain
plants, but they may or may not put on additional a strong tendency to sucker, but plants produced
shoot growth during the first growing season. from tissue culture or etiolated cuttings are similar,
However, these plants usually make extensive root and their suckering response is more moderate.
growth during this period.
Growers may choose to use the traditional planting
method of preparing a hole (see the following
Hardening off plants
Traditional Planting section), or they may wish to
Plants grown in a greenhouse need to be gradually
consider the experimental method of deep planting
exposed to outdoor conditions for two reasons: to
(see the Deep Planting section later in this chapter).
prevent them from getting sunburned and to reduce
the stress that occurs when they are placed in Regardless of the planting method, when the shrub
the field. The glass of a greenhouse blocks most is in place, cover the roots with topsoil, pack firmly
ultraviolet (UV) light, so the plants need some time and water immediately. If drip irrigation tape is set
(approximately four to five days) to build protective up in the orchard, connect the tape as each row is
waxy layers on their leaves. If, however, the plants planted or have a ready supply of water from a hose
are fully dormant (no leaves), there is no need to to water the plants as they go in. It only takes a few
harden them off, and this step can be skipped. minutes of air exposure or contact with dry soil to
damage young roots. Also, do not spread out the
One hardening-off method is to place the
plugs across the field before planting unless it is a
greenhouse-grown plants in a shady area at first
very damp day.
and then gradually move them into the sun. Another
method is to cover them with a shade cloth, such as Growers can also use a mechanical transplanter.
Reemay, and gradually increase the amount of time Transplanters require one or two people, depending
they are uncovered. on the model, to manually place the plugs into a
device that plants at pre-determined intervals. It
On an overcast day, the plants can be left out in
is important to ensure that machines have been
the open and unprotected, but a bright, sunny day
properly calibrated. These machines are never
may cause sunburn. Sunburned leaves, or parts of
totally accurate for planting depth; therefore, it
leaves, become white or faded for a few days, after
is best to inspect new plantings and manually
which they usually turn brown.
replant those not properly planted (see the Planting
Recommendations table at the end of this chapter).
28
Traditional planting • produces a multi-stemmed shrub with shoots
Prepare a hole large enough to accommodate the originating from the crown (rather than root
entire root mass, and plant the shrubs at least 2.5 to suckers) when properly pruned
5 cm (1 - 2 in.) deeper than they were in the nursery • helps decrease susceptibility to pests and
containers to avoid frost heaving, which is a serious disease
problem in clay and organic soils.
Deep planting of the crown helps maintain separate
Recommended spacing for the plants within the row
crowns rather than having the plants form a solid
is 1 to 1.5 m (3 - 5 ft.) apart. However, the distance
hedgerow (or at least, the method delays the
between the rows will depend on equipment size
development of a solid hedgerow). Some growers
and cultural practices:
perceive solid hedgerows as a disadvantage.
• Mechanical harvesters require 5 to 6 m
Certainly, spacing facilitates air movement, which,
(17 - 20 ft.) between rows to avoid harvester
in turn, may prevent or delay the onset of fungal
damage.
diseases, such as Entomosporium leaf and berry
• U-pick orchards can use narrower row spacing, spot and powdery mildew. These diseases establish
3.5 to 4 m (12 - 13 ft.), but can be spaced up to and perpetuate in a humid microclimate (see the
5 m (16 ft.) apart. With narrower row spacings, Pests and Diseases chapter).
pruning becomes even more important to provide
Separated root crowns also improve the efficiency
adequate space for pickers to move freely and to
of commercial over-the-row harvesters since the fish
prevent bushes that “loom” over pickers.
plates are able to close intermittently at the base.
Deep planting: an experimental method Producing deeply rooted plants with low suckering
The deep planting of crowns along with appropriate may also help avoid problems with woolly elm
pruning procedures produces a multi-stemmed aphids and woolly apple aphids. These pests prefer
shrub with new shoots originating from the crown feeding on shallow-rooted suckers and rhizomes
(below the soil surface) rather than from rhizomes near the soil surface rather than on the main plant
positioned away from the mother plant. and deep roots.
When Saskatoon berries are deep planted,

Deep planting: open furrow method
individual shoots that form the crown are separated
The simplest way to achieve deep planting is to
below the soil surface and are well spaced at the
adjust the planter to place the shrubs deeply into the
surface. This method aids pruning and decreases
soil. The current recommendation is to place nursery
the susceptibility to canker diseases.
or greenhouse-grown stock 2.5 to 5 cm (1 - 2 in.)
It is suggested that growers test a small portion deeper into the soil than it was in the pots.
of their plants with deep planting to determine the
The open furrow system of deep planting is a more
benefits and disadvantages, based on their soil, site
long-term method where growers create a narrow
and climatic conditions. Growers may also want to
trench and place the plants at the desired depth in
conduct small trials to determine the best technique
the trench. Slowly, over several years, the trench in
and correct depth for plant placement for their
which the plants are placed is filled in.
orchard. Results can be compared to your current
planting methods. Open furrows can be made with a variety of
equipment:
Potential advantages to deep planting Saskatoon
berries: • potato hilling equipment
• reduces suckering • reversed disks and shanks
• maintains individual crowns • modified raised-bed equipment
• promotes deep, central rooting • modified mouldboard plough
• rototillers with optional hilling blades
• producers’ own modified implements
29
Furrow dimensions:
• depth: 10 to 15 cm (4 - 6 in.)
• width: 0.3 m (1 ft.)
• distance between furrows same as for traditional
planting: mechanical harvesters 5 to 6 m
(17 - 20 ft.), U-pick orchards 3.5 to 5 m
(12 - 16 ft.)
Plant placement:
Figure 11. This side-view diagram illustrates the
• Space plants 1 to 1.5 m (3 - 5 ft.) apart. structure of an open furrow deep planting with plant
and drip line placed in furrow below original soil
• Place plants to be grown in lighter soils deeper level. Diagram: Clarence Peters
than those to be grown in heavy soils.
• Place the plants in the furrow with the root crown
just above the bottom of the furrow.
• Place container-grown, tissue culture plants or
dormant, bare-rooted plants with the natural
crown of the plant level with the bottom of the
furrow instead of the normal soil level.
Closing the furrow:

• Keep the furrow open until a well-branched stool
has developed – two years (or more).
• Allow the closing process to be gradual and
occur naturally through erosion and between-row Figure 12. Early stages of deep planting show open
cultivation. furrows in this recently planted orchard. Photo:
Clarence Peters
• Avoid closing the furrow too quickly; quick closure
may smother the formation of a sufficient number
of new basal shoots. Calculating number of plants
Row spacing and plant spacing will determine
• When the furrow is completely closed, growers
the number of plants per hectare or per acre. The
should have well-spaced, multi-branched plants,
number of Saskatoon berry plants required for an
narrow at the base, with the shoots originating
orchard is determined with the following formulas:
well below the soil and the rows free of root
suckers. Plants per hectare
10,000
between-row spacing in metres x between-plant
spacing in metres
Plants per acre
43,560
between-row spacing in feet x between-plant
spacing in feet
30
Planting Recommendations
Distance between rows

Planting method Depth Plant spacing Mech. harvest U-pick
Traditional planting 2.5 - 5 cm (1 - 2 in.) 1 - 1.5 m (3 - 5 ft.) 5-6m 3.5 - 5 m

deeper than containers (17 - 20 ft.) (12 - 16 ft.)
Deep planting 2.5 - 5 cm (1 - 2 in.) 1 - 1.5 m (3 - 5 ft.) 5-6m 3.5 - 5 m

deeper than containers (17 - 20 ft.) (12 - 16 ft.)
in 10 - 15 cm (4 - 6 in.)
deep furrow
31
Cultural Practices
Water management Drip irrigation
Water is important for ensuring good orchard Use drip irrigation systems only rather than
establishment, flower bud initiation, fruit sizing and overhead irrigation, which can spread leaf diseases.
getting consistent yields.
Drip irrigation has a number of advantages over
Crops grown on the prairies rely on soil moisture other systems:
reserves accumulated during the fall and winter
• controls the amount and placement of water
seasons and on annual summer precipitation.
and minimizes water loss through evaporation,
However, irrigation systems can supplement water in
resulting in greater efficiency
years when there is a spring soil-moisture deficit or
inadequate seasonal rainfall. • allows development of an irrigation system with
a somewhat smaller water source than other
Regardless of whether or not growers choose to
systems require
irrigate orchards every year, it is important to supply
plants with water during the first three years of • operates with low water pressure and distributes
establishment. Adequate water is also necessary as the water at an even flow rate, reducing the
fruit filling takes place. The amount of water required amount of energy required for its operation, which
by a Saskatoon berry orchard will vary with the contributes to lower operating and labour costs
year and location, as affected by climate, in-season once the system has been installed
rainfall and weather, as well as the age and size of
• waters the plants slowly near the root zone,
the plants within the orchard.
so the foliage remains dry, thus reducing the
If an irrigation system is planned, have the water opportunities for fungal disease development
source analyzed to ensure the water is suitable for
• reduces weed growth between the rows due to
irrigation (Appendix 1.2.1). Consult an irrigation and/
lack of moisture
or water specialist to interpret the water analysis and
assist in designing an appropriate system for the • can be automated and an in-line fertilizer system
orchard. can also be installed
On the prairies, water use approval or licensing

is required before irrigation water can be taken
from any source other than a pond or dugout filled
by rainwater or melted snow that has fallen on
the grower’s property. The construction of ponds,
dugouts or dams may also require approval. Obtain
permission for water use from the appropriate water
regulating authorities (Appendix 1.2.2).
33
Figure 14. Inline fertilizer drip system – fertilizer
is distributed to the plants through the drip line
watering system. Photo: Bob Bors
Drip irrigation systems require better quality water

than overhead systems because of the small size of
the emitters, and depending on the water analysis,
pre-treatment of the water may be necessary to filter
out debris.
The main components of a drip irrigation system
are the head and the distribution network. The head
consists of a water source, pump, filter, pressure
regulator and pressure gauge, and may also include
a water meter, chemical injector and electronic
controller.
The pump draws water from the source and feeds
Figure 13. Surface drip line. Photos: Lloyd Hauser the distribution network. A filtration system prevents
clogging. Water pressure and emitter output are
controlled with a regulator.
The distribution network is made up of the main
water line and lateral lines with emitters or lateral
drip lines. Lateral lines transport water to the orchard
and discharge it at emitter sites (Figure 15).
Routine inspection of the system is required to check
for damage from rodents and field equipment.
34
Buried drip irrigation lines
The open furrow (deep planting) system limits the
use of plastic mulch for weed control since it is
difficult to install plastic mulch in a trench. However,
buried irrigation systems can help reduce weeds.
Place the drip irrigation lines on one side of the row.
Drip lines with proper emitters can be buried as the
furrow is closed (see Figure 11). There are several
advantages to buried lines:
• less likely to become pinched off when placed in
the area between the crown and the root
Figure 15. Components of a drip irrigation system.
• are out of the way of pruning devices
• do not wet the soil surface, which reduces weed
growth, particularly in a dry year
• reduce surface humidity at the base of the
crown, which may help prevent or reduce fungal
diseases such as Entomosporium leaf and berry
spot and powdery mildew
The greatest disadvantage to buried irrigation lines

is the difficulty in finding and repairing damaged
or plugged emitters and pinched lines. However,
pinched lines are more common with above ground
lines because these lines have a tendency to
become constricted between two crown shoots.
Figure 16. Rodent-damaged drip irrigation line. Dryland orchards

Photo: Robert Spencer
Dryland orchards rely on winter snow accumulation
and in-season rainfall to meet seasonal water
When laying out drip irrigation lines, it is important to
requirements, so dryland orchard practices are
ensure that drip emitters are spaced so as to provide
focused on conserving moisture. These orchards
adequate water to the plants. Emitter spacing is not
are riskier, and if moisture conditions become
standardized for all drip lines.
limited, the plants may have sporadic yields. Under
Choose a spacing that will provide a uniform wetting prolonged drought, some plants may die or the
zone for the plant spacing chosen. Also consider that entire orchard may die.
drip lines will expand and contract due to heating
The following recommendations could be helpful
and cooling, causing them to move and potentially
in reducing water needs by maximizing available
shift the wetting zone somewhat.
moisture.
While a single drip irrigation line may provide
• Plant shelterbelts to trap snow and reduce wind
sufficient water for smaller, establishing plants, as
speed (evaporation/transpiration losses).
orchards mature, a second line may be necessary to
meet orchard water requirements. This factor needs • Control weeds to decrease moisture losses from
to be considered in the planning stages so that both competition.
system capabilities and water sources are adequate.
35
• Avoid grass lanes to prevent moisture losses from Prepare soil for planting:
competition, although this method may reduce
• perform tillage operations to incorporate debris,
orchard access during wet periods. Ideally, if
control weeds and prepare the planting bed
planting grass, only plant grass species that do
not spread into the plant rows and are low water • add or build up organic matter
users. Maintain a bare strip of soil out from the
• apply the necessary nutrients recommended by
plants to reduce competition.
the soil test
• Water the shrubs for the first three years to
ensure they are well established; this procedure In general, it is recommended that soils (averaged
is imperative if plants are to survive in dryland throughout the depth of the planting bed) contain at
conditions. least 70 kg actual nitrogen (N)/ha (65 lb/ac),
100 kg actual phosphorus (P)/ha (90 lb/ac) and
400 kg actual potassium (K)/ha (355 lb/ac) before
planting Saskatoon berries. These levels will
ensure there are sufficient nutrients for the
establishing crop.
Logic dictates that since Saskatoon berries are
an indigenous crop on the Canadian prairies, the
soils are fertile enough to support their growth
initially. However, orchard crops need nutritional
supplements if they are to remain productive over
the entire life of the orchard because as fruit is
harvested, nutrients are removed.
In subsequent years after planting, in-row soil testing
or leaf tissue analysis can be used to determine
Figure 17. Good weed control. Photo: Lloyd Hausher
nutrient requirements. Leaf tissue analysis is
considered by some to be far more reliable than soil
samples to determine nutrient requirements (see
Fertility Tissue Analysis further on in this chapter); however,
Saskatoon berries represent a long-term crop that testing facilities may not always be available, and
will require added fertilizers to maintain productivity proper samples must be collected for tests to be
over the life of the orchard. It is important to accurate.
remember that nutrient requirements will vary from
area to area with different soils. Soil fertility program
By ensuring that soil nutrient levels are topped up Adequate nutrition is necessary for Saskatoon
before planting and by applying specific amounts of berry plants of all ages, but during the orchard
fertilizer yearly, growers can ensure that adequate establishment phase, the plant’s ability to access
nutrients are available to the crop for the duration of soil nutrient reserves is less than during its mature
its lifespan. years. Provided soil fertility is adequate at planting,
no additional nutrient application may be required
It is important to have soil tested and prepared for the first few years; however, this situation can
before planting an orchard. A soil test will provide vary depending on the soil and the region. As plants
benchmark information on the nutritional status, soil mature, their annual nutrient demand will increase
texture, organic matter, pH and soil salinity levels somewhat.
for the soil within the orchard. It is much easier to
amend soil before planting begins, and the following Growers should apply a small amount of nitrogen
steps will ensure the long-term productivity of the and some phosphorus (e.g. 11-52-0) at planting.
orchard. This mix should be added as a liquid fertilizer when
watering in transplants. This approach will ensure
that the young, establishing plants will have easy
access to adequate nutrients as they start to grow.
36
In subsequent years, fertilizers may be broadcast As pH moves further away from neutral, nutrients
over the soil surface near the root zone and worked become more or less soluble in soil water and
into the soil. Granular fertilizers can also be applied more or less available to plants. Movement toward
as a band to the base of plant rows, or fertilizer can acidity reduces the availability of the macronutrients
be supplied to the plants via injection into the drip phosphorus, potassium and sulfur as well as the
irrigation system. micronutrients calcium and magnesium. Movement
toward alkalinity reduces the availability of the
It is important to adjust the per-acre-rate of fertilizer
micronutrients copper, manganese, zinc, boron and
to compensate for the smaller area being treated.
iron.
Guard against an excessive application of nitrogen,
especially a late fall application, which would As soil pH changes, there is also the potential for
stimulate late season growth and delay dormancy, nutrients to become available in toxic amounts,
rendering bushes susceptible to winter injury. which could harm orchard plants.
Phosphorus deficiencies are uncommon, and Iron chlorosis/lime-induced chlorosis
most prairie soils will contain adequate levels of In balanced pH conditions, plants absorb an
potassium for Saskatoon berry fruit production. adequate amount of iron from the soil to facilitate
Where a potassium deficiency is identified, chlorophyll production. If the soil is too alkaline
the plants respond well to field applications of (basic), the plant may develop iron chlorosis (or
potassium. lime-induced chlorosis), where the ability of plant
Sulfur and most micronutrient fertilizers are roots to take up iron is reduced by an accumulation
unnecessary unless a deficiency is detected. of bicarbonate ions in the soil. Within the plant, the
movement of iron from older tissue to younger tissue
Currently, recommendations for fertility applications
is reduced, resulting in a deficiency.
vary. Applications are made to maintain the level of
soil fertility in the soil, topping up or replacing those
nutrients removed during fruit harvest. As a general
rule, growers may apply 33 to 55 kg actual N/ha
(30 - 50 lb/acre) and 22 to 44 kg actual P/ha
(20-40 lb/acre) as a split application in early May
and late June.
Rates should be adjusted when applying as a
banded application, depending on between-row
spacing. Total application rates can be modified
using annual in-row soil testing and/or leaf tissue
testing.
Soil pH
The degree of soil acidity or alkalinity is described by
the pH scale:
• pH=7 is neutral
• pH<7 is acidic
• pH>7 is alkaline or basic Figure 18. These leaves exhibit typical symptoms of
chlorosis. Photo: Anthony Mintenko
Soil pH is important because this variable affects the
availability of plant nutrients. A range of 6.5 to 7.5 is
The most common symptom of this condition
neutral, and most plant nutrients are available in this
is interveinal chlorosis – yellow tissue between
range.
prominent green veins. But symptoms can also
appear as a range from a slight fading in colour to
the complete yellowing of leaves.
37
Foliar application of chelated iron, soil aeration allow the leaching of salts, but this flushing will occur
and soil remediation based on soil test results may naturally if there is heavy rainfall. It is also important
alleviate the problem. However, if the soil pH is >8, to use only good quality water for irrigation.
it may be very difficult to correct this problem, and
growers may want to find a better site for the plants. Tissue analysis and plant nutritional
Soil pH can be reduced very gradually, over time, status
through the use of acidic fertilizers. Tissue analysis is a diagnostic tool that can be used
to detect nutrient deficiencies and potential toxicities
Soil salinity by showing which nutrients the plant is actually
Soil salinity is determined by measuring the absorbing. A tissue analysis of a plant indicates
electrical conductivity of a soil. Electrical conductivity the nutritional status of the plant, and a tissue
(EC) is an estimate of the amount of soluble salts analysis of a cross-section of plants establishes the
present in the soil solution. nutritional status of the orchard.
Fruit crops are classified as “sensitive” to salt. When gathering leaves to determine nutritional
Electrical conductivity values of less than 1 dS/m status, collect samples from the current season’s
(deciSiemens per metre) are considered acceptable. growth from the mid-section of the plant. Collect
As the electrical conductivity (dS/m) of the soil the samples in midsummer when active growth
increases, there will be reductions in yield, and the and nutrient uptake are occurring and later in the
health of the plants will be affected. growing season when active growth has stopped,
The soluble salts in prairie soils are primarily but before the leaves start changing colour.
composed of sulfates of magnesium and sodium, When sampling to diagnose an existing problem,
but most plants do not require sodium and cannot collect paired samples: one sample from normal
survive in saline soils. When plants absorb too many foliage and one sample from abnormal foliage.
sodium ions instead of potassium ions, they develop
a nutrient deficiency and enzyme inhibition. Nutritional deficiency symptoms
Trees can be inspected visually for nutrient
Salinity typically occurs in areas with a high water
deficiencies (See Table 4), but caution is
table and where the amount of evaporation is
recommended because deficiency symptoms may
greater than the amount of precipitation. Salinity also
be mistaken for disease or insect injury and can
occurs in irrigated soils when salts are introduced in
vary quite widely. Testing should be done to validate
the irrigation water and build up in the soil or when
visual symptoms.
poorly drained soil prohibits the effective leaching of
excess irrigation water.
If salt damage is suspected, tissue analysis can
detect salt injury. Soil testing before planting can
determine if a soil is suitable. Note that beans have
a similar salt tolerance level to fruit crops, so if
beans can be grown in the soil, fruit should also be
viable.
Even if growers do not have saline soil, a gradual
localized buildup of salt can occur over time,
especially with drip irrigation systems. Once or twice
a season, it is a good idea to apply excess water to
38
Table 4. Nutrient deficiency symptoms
Nutrient Plant Part Deficiency Symptoms
Nitrogen (N) Leaves Pale green to yellow; first evident in lower/older leaves at the
base of shoots
Fruit Small and early maturing
Phosphorus (P) Leaves Purplish colour; young leaves abnormally dark green;
symptoms usually occur early in the growing season
Potassium (K) Leaves Symptoms develop first on older leaves at the base of the
current season’s shoot growth; characterized by marginal
scorching
Calcium (Ca) Leaves Upward cupping of leaf margins on younger leaves;

expanding leaves exhibit uniform veinal and interveinal
chlorosis
Magnesium (Mg) Leaves Green colour fades at the tips of older leaves, and fading
progresses between the veins toward the base and main
vein of the leaf, giving the leaves a herringbone appearance
Boron (B) Leaves Distorted, may cup or roll downward or develop a thick,
leathery texture
Shoots Tips cease to grow and die; buds fail to open and die
Fruit Gnarled, misshapen, corky tissue
Copper (Cu) Leaves Elongated young leaves appear stunted and misshapen;
leaves narrow with wavy margins
Iron (Fe) Leaves Interveinal chlorosis beginning with terminal leaves and
moving to basal leaves
Manganese (Mn) Leaves Interveinal chlorosis confined to the leaf margins; appears on
the youngest leaves first
Zinc (Zn) Leaves Chlorotic tufts of smaller leaves develop at shoot tips;
resetting of leaves is the result of reduced shoot elongation
Adapted from Pennsylvania Tree Fruit Production Guide
39
If between-row spaces are left bare, tillage is a
valid weed control option, provided care is taken
to keep cultivation shallow and not too close to the
Saskatoon plants, as the plants are susceptible to
damage.
Herbicides
Newly planted Saskatoon plants are not very
competitive and must be protected from weed
encroachment. Before planting, growers may apply
and incorporate pre-emergent herbicides to provide
some residual control of emerging weeds. Applied
products will not provide long-term protection, but
the use of pre-emergent products, combined with
good pre-planting weed control, can keep the weeds
down to a manageable level.
Some other cultural methods of weed control will
Figure 19. This orchard is well mulched and likely be necessary in the first couple of years, as
has good weed control resulting from Casoron
plants become established. Care should be taken to
applications. Photo: Lloyd Hausher
avoid damage to plants.
Herbicide use can make weed control somewhat
Weed control easier once the plants become established. A small
Weeds compete with crops for moisture and number of chemical products are available for use
nutrients, and can also be alternate hosts for in Saskatoon berry plantings. Depending on the
diseases and insects as well as shelter for burrowing product, plants must be established for a minimum
pests. Weeds also create a favourable environment of one to two years. Most herbicide applications are
for disease and insect development (e.g. reduced made to plants in the early spring or when plants
air flow results in increased humidity). Weed control are dormant.
can be achieved through a combination of tillage/ Care should be taken when applying herbicides as
cultivation, herbicides, mulching, and sowing grass significant damage can occur if products are applied
or cover crops and mowing. improperly. Drift, contact with bark and leaves or
contact with active plant parts can result in damage.
Cultivation Systemic herbicides, if applied to Saskatoon berry
For one to two years before orchard planting, suckers growing between rows, can travel back to
cultivate the area in the spring and summer to the mother bush and cause damage. When
effectively control perennial weeds. Weakened applying products to plant rows (banded), rates
perennial weeds may attempt to re-establish in the should be adjusted to compensate for the actual
fall, but a fall application of a non-selective herbicide area being treated.
(e.g. glyphosate) will destroy them. It is extremely
important to avoid applying chemicals when it is For a list of currently registered products for use in
windy and to use chemicals according to the label Saskatoon berries, see the information in
recommendations. Appendix 1.12.
If the planned orchard area is in grass, spray out Mulching

row strips and work up that area. Consideration Using mulch has a number of advantages:
should be given to what is going to be done with
the between-row space as the established grass • suppression of weeds
species may not be suitable for orchards and may • retention of moisture
need to be removed or replaced at a later date.
• extension of the growing period
40
• enhanced seedling survival
• protection of irrigation lines
Growers can use organic mulch (bark, flax shives,

pine cones, straw, wood chips), black plastic mulch
or fabric mulch. Fabric mulch holds up and performs
the best over the long term, but for many growers, it
is prohibitively expensive. The deep planting method
does not allow mulching (see the section on Deep
Planting in the previous chapter).
Mulch installation is labour intensive, but once
the mulch is in place, weed control operations are Figure 21. Plastic mulch installed at planting in an
orchard. Photo: Lloyd Hausher
decreased. A combination of mulch and trickle or
drip irrigation underneath works well for establishing
Research conducted by the Saskatchewan Fruit
new plantings.
Growers Association and the Agri-Environment
When installing plastic mulch, the drip line is usually Services Branch (formerly the Prairie Farm
placed in the rows beforehand, and the mulch is Rehabilitation Administration – PFRA) demonstrated
placed overtop. Some mechanical plastic mulch the benefits of using plastic mulch in berry orchards
applicators, such as the one in Figure 20, can also (see Appendix 1.13).
mechanically plant small plugs simultaneously.
The use of organic mulches is a common approach
In most situations, mulch application is a multi- that conserves moisture and can suppress weeds
person job, requiring one person on the tractor and somewhat. Mulch is typically applied in a band at
additional people for cutting and burying plastic at the base of the plant row. Care should be taken to
the ends of the rows. Plants should be checked ensure that mulch does not cover or damage young
after mulch application to ensure they are positioned plants.
correctly.
Mulches should be 10 to 30 cm (4 -12 in.) deep and
should be at least 20 to 30 cm (8 -12 in.) away from
the plants (to protect from rodent damage). Organic
mulches may start to break down over time, which
can result in a temporary tie-up of nutrients in the
soil profile by micro-organisms.
Mulches also have some disadvantages, and some
researchers think that leaving the soil bare in the
plantation row is best. Organic mulches can provide
shelter or protection for small rodents (mice, voles),
which nest and/or hide in the mulch and feed on the
shrubs. And, these mulches are also a haven for the
woolly elm aphid.
Producers should decide whether using mulches or
not works best for them and then make appropriate
adjustments to their management practices to be
successful.
Figure 20. This plastic mulch applicator can also Grass, cover crops and mowing
mechanically plant small plugs simultaneously. Cover crops, green manure crops and semi-
Photo: Bob Bors permanent and permanent grass plantings are
effective weed suppressants and also act as
management tools for using excess soil moisture
41
and nutrients. These tools also work to moderate new growth below the damaged areas of the bush,
soil temperature. Green manure crops and semi- and during the following winter, this new growth is
permanent grass cover add organic matter to the at greater risk of cold temperature damage than the
soil when they are cultivated and worked into rest of the bush.
the soil.
Moisture and nutrient uptake by grass and cover
Orchard access during wet weather can be crops has been found to induce earlier dormancy in
greatly improved, especially on heavy soils, when plants and increase winter hardiness, particularly if
non-invasive grass cultivars or cover crops are growers stop mowing the cover crop in late summer.
planted between rows. Plant drought-tolerant, non- Once the orchard is established – two to three years
spreading, clump grass species, such as Sheep’s after planting – seed the lanes with non-invasive
Fescue or hard fescue. These species do not grass.
require a lot of moisture to survive and do not
Thicker or longer grassed areas provide excellent
require a lot of mowing.
habitats for rodents, which can become pests
Broadcast seed at approximately 45 kg/ha during winter. Consider mowing to open up the
(40 lb/ac.), and incorporate using a light cultivation. grass canopy to expose rodent pests to predators
Maintaining a grass-free zone approximately and to discourage pest populations from becoming
0.5 m (1.5 ft.) away from both sides of the established.
Saskatoon berry plantings will reduce competition
In some drier regions or areas, grass can become
and allow the shrubs to grow to full size.
competitive and can use up vital moisture reserves.
Cover crops help offset the risk of winter damage, Alternative plans need to be considered if moisture
particularly during the third, fourth and fifth years is in limited supply.
while the bushes are growing rapidly but before they
fruit heavily. Winter-damaged bushes produce lush
Figure 22. A wood-chip mulch and grass cover between the rows help suppress weeds and manage moisture.
42
Pruning
Why prune fruit shrubs Pruning basics for fruit
• establish and train new plants production
• control plant height, size and shape Whether pruning a large tree or a small shrub,
proper tools are a must. A few general practices
• improve plant structure and branching habit relating to pruning will also help maintain the tools.
• eliminate or reduce sucker growth
Equipment and supplies
• maintain plant vigour and health The tools and equipment required for pruning
Saskatoon berry plants on a small acreage include
• maintain annual fruit production
a pruning knife and bypass secateurs for small cuts
• delay plant maturity and extend orchard longevity up to 2.5 cm (1 in.), a two-handed bypass lopper
and, occasionally, an adjustable pruning saw for
• repair damaged plants and rejuvenate old plants
larger cuts. Keep all pruning equipment as sharp as
• remove diseased, dying or dead plant material possible to facilitate clean cuts.
Saskatoon berry plants are shrubs and require For larger orchards, growers will need a pneumatic
pruning to ensure long-term health and productivity. hand-held pruner (lopper size) with an extension,
For commercial producers, pruning serves three which makes the pruning procedure much faster and
purposes: easier. Pruning saws are not normally required if
following the recommended renewal pruning regime
• increase and stabilize the productive capacity of
during the training and maintenance phases of
the plants
orchard establishment.
• control plant size
Additional equipment, such as a chainsaw and bush
• establish and maintain hedgerow architecture cutter, is not required unless the hedgerows have
to accommodate specific types of mechanical reached full maturity and have been rarely or never
harvesters pruned.
For shrubs grown in backyards and in small

numbers on acreages, the benefits are the same:
pruning helps maintain plant health, vigour and
productivity.
43
Pruning tools
There is a world of difference between pruners
(or secateurs), loppers, saws and tools made
with quality steel and those of lesser quality.
Cheap secateurs may be inexpensive, but
are easily bent by the first few pruning cuts
on larger branches. Growers will know when
they have found good tools because they will
not have to replace them. Quality tools pay for
themselves in the long run.
General pruning practices

• Prune soft wood and woody stems up to 1 cm
(0.5 in.) in diameter with secateurs or pruning
shears. Loppers or long-handled pruning shears
can cut branches up to 4 cm (1.5 in.) in diameter.
A pruning saw is ideal for cutting thick wood and
roots. Keep blades sharp to ensure clean cuts.
• Remove diseased or damaged wood right away
at any time of year to prevent disease from
spreading. When removing diseased wood, cut
30 cm (12 in.) below the infected area or further
back to a logical junction point – do not leave a
stub.
• Use clean, sharp pruning tools; clean cuts
promote the rapid formation of scar tissue.
• Disinfect tools about every 15 minutes when
pruning healthy bushes as pruning can spread
diseases or viruses that are not easily detected.
Figure 23. Pneumatic hand-held secateur. Photos:
Clarence Peters and Lloyd Hausher Disinfect tools between cuts with full-strength Lysol
when pruning diseased branches. You can dip the
If growers have a small operation and need to tool into the Lysol, but using a spray bottle filled
remove suckers to keep the rows narrow, they with disinfectant is the easiest and fastest method,
should use a long sharp spade. In large orchards, and the liquid does not spill. Hook the handle of the
use a large sharp disk or similar tillage unit that cuts spray bottle onto a belt or pocket, so the bottle does
the lateral roots below ground but does not uproot not have to be carried. Always wipe the tools after
them. Deep planting, especially in open furrows, dipping or spraying.
and regular sucker removal reduces and all but Pruning tools can also be dipped into a 1:10 solution
eliminates wide lateral suckering away from the of Lysol and water, household bleach and water
rows. (with a few drops of soap to act as a surfactant) or
70 to 90 per cent alcohol. Rust is a problem when
tools are dipped into water-based solutions, so be
44
sure to dry the tools thoroughly after use with a soft, Pruning objectives for commercial
oily cloth to help keep them rust free. saskatoon berry production
Pruning paint on the cuts is not recommended The pruning recommendations that follow assume
because it can seal in fungal spores or bacteria that a commercial production and a free-standing
may have been on exposed tissues. The paint also hedgerow designed for mechanical harvesting.
creates the ideal moist environment required for In most cases, the type of harvester dictates the
disease proliferation. Researchers have found that maximum allowable height and the preferred width
untreated cuts tend to heal better on their own than and shape of the fruiting hedge. To some extent, all
if pruning paint is used. these objectives can be achieved through the use of
a proper pruning regime.
Saskatoon berries in the wild Long-term objectives for pruning Saskatoon berries
Wild Saskatoon berry plants produce a strong
for a commercial operation:
central leader and narrow, weak secondary
branching. Some varieties sucker profusely from • grow and maintain the plants and hedgerows at
lateral rhizomes while others produce few suckers an optimum height
and develop a more tree-like structure, with shoots
• shape the plants and maintain the architecture of
produced near the crown.
the hedgerows to best accommodate mechanical
In the wild, Saskatoon berry plants produce most of harvesting
their fruit from mixed buds on new wood extensions
• improve the branching habit and strength of
produced in the previous season. However, some
branches to reduce mechanical injury from the
fruit is also produced on two and three-year-old
harvesting operation
wood from mixed buds; these are vegetative buds
on spur-like projections (not true spurs) at the base • reduce suckering and maintain individual plant
of fruiting inflorescences. crowns
Wild Saskatoon berries naturally mature in 8 to • increase the amount of new fruiting wood and
10 years to a height of 3 to 6 m (10 - 20 ft.). When maintain an annual bearing habit
fully mature, plants cease producing new growth • increase longevity by maintaining plant health
extensions. On mature plants, fruit is produced on and vigour and delaying plant maturity
mixed basal buds from the spur-like growths on
previous fruiting inflorescences. • increase and maintain a high and predictable
annual yield with large, high quality fruit
These natural fruiting and vegetative growth
characteristics of wild Saskatoon berries are not
desirable for either backyard gardens or commercial
production, but proper pruning procedures can alter
the growth habits and tendencies of Saskatoon berry
cultivars and improve the plant’s fruiting habits.
Why prune Saskatoon berries

Saskatoon berries have some specific growth
and fruiting characteristics that, when understood,
will help growers prune properly. The following
discussion provides background on several key
pruning topics: basic pruning objectives, how
pruning affects Saskatoon berry plants in
Figure 24. Severe suckering in row of Smokys
general, and how pruning can contribute to
due to lack of pruning; row is becoming wider and
increased production. increasingly dense, which will affect the long-term
health of the plants, fruit production and harvesting.
45
• stimulates temporary and localized growth near
pruning cut, but over time, growth will be less
than if not pruned
• affects fruiting by delaying onset, decreases total
yield while increasing marketable yield, or evens
out annual yields by reducing biennial bearing
Dwarfing
The degree of dwarfing is influenced by different
factors:
• how early in a plant’s development pruning is
begun
• the time of year the pruning is done
• the amount of wood removed
Figure 25. A well-pruned row of Smokys has a • whether or not pruning is done annually and
narrow base and the interior of the plant is more regularly
open, which will enhance the vigour of the plants
and ease harvesting. Photo: Clarence Peters. The long-term and cumulative effect of regular
pruning reduces the eventual total mass of both the
Effects of pruning vegetative growth and root growth, which ultimately
The pruning cut triggers a physiological response has a dwarfing effect.
in the plant cells that influences the growing habits Growers should not be surprised if pruning appears
of the plant. The physiological changes affect bud to have the opposite effect at first, and the pruned
dominancy, branching habits, changes in the juvenile plants appear to have increased vegetative vigour.
and mature states as well as fruiting. Growers can This result is because the pruned plant attempts
see the effects of these changes in the growth or to restore the equilibrium between vegetative and
physical development of the Saskatoon berry plants. root mass by producing a flush of new growth. This
Growers can use important effects of pruning effect is temporary, and the extra energy required to
Saskatoon berry plants to their advantage: produce the new growth never completely replaces
the original vegetative mass.
Physiological effects
• alters production and distribution of growth The earlier annual pruning is begun in a plant’s
regulators, which triggers bud dominancy, development, the greater the dwarfing effect. A plant
establishes branching habits and branch angles that has never been pruned until it nears maturity
exhibits little or no dwarfing effect when a pruning
• may alter plant’s growth state by delaying change program is begun because the root mass is too vast.
from juvenile to mature state or may reverse
mature state to juvenile state The timing of the pruning operation also affects the
amount of dwarfing. Pruning dormant plants in the
• if severely pruned, alters carbon, hydrogen,
spring or fall affects vegetative growth initially and
oxygen, nitrogen ratios and delays onset of
reduces suckering. However, late summer pruning
fruiting
has the greatest dwarfing effect, initially, because it
• if selectively pruned, increases fruit bud starves the root system while the plant prepares for
development winter, which reduces the vigour of the vegetative
growth in the following year.
• regulates fruiting by affecting biennial/annual
production Plant Configuration
Pruning affects a number of physical attributes:
Physical effects
• triggers dwarfing, which can be cumulative if plant • plant height
is pruned annually
46
• plant width and shape fruit, and removal pruning and annual thinning
stimulate the development of new wood and
• the degree of branching
stronger fruit buds.
• the angles at which the branches are attached
Yield and fruit size
• the amount of new wood Regular and corrective pruning procedures reduce
• the number of fruiting versus vegetative buds biennial bearing (also called alternate or irregular
bearing) – a tendency to overproduce one year and
• the degree of suckering under-produce the following year. Biennial bearing
occurs for a variety of reasons: flower loss, early fruit
Pruning alters the configuration of individual plants
loss, low pollinator activity in cool weather, too little
and the architecture of a hedgerow by permitting
sunshine, variable moisture as well as soil nutrient
growers to control and manipulate the shape of the
status. Once triggered, the biennial bearing habit
plants to suit their needs.
tends to perpetuate itself.
Plant health and vigour

Plant health is sustained when the following
problems are addressed:
• diseased, insect-infested, weak, older wood is
removed
• suckers and lower branches are taken off,
reducing the risk of fungal diseases and wood-
boring insects found in the microclimatic zone
(high humidity, reduced air movement) around the
base of the plant
• shaded growth in the centre and lower portions of
the canopy where unproductive wood is produced
Figure 26. Bad architecture – if regular pruning is are pruned
neglected, the architecture of the Saskatoon berry
• multiple-branched stems and older wood, which
plant rows will develop a wide base and excessive
height. Diagram: Clarence Peters are susceptible to breakage and mechanical
harvester damage are cut off
Regular and annual pruning also has the following

benefits:
• delays the maturation of a fruiting hedge and
maintains its productivity over a longer time
• replaces the oldest portion of growth by replacing
it with a flush of new, vigorous vegetative
shoots from the root crown, thus increasing the
proportion of fruiting wood
• increases the production of side branches
(feathering) and improves the structure,
Figure 27. Good architecture – the architecture of a framework and strength of individual branches,
well-pruned Saskatoon berry row resembles a vase: plants and hedgerows while also reducing stature
narrow at the base and widening toward the top.
Diagram: Clarence Peters Regular and annual thinning increases the
penetration and distribution of light throughout the
The majority of branches on the centre and lower canopy, stimulating the production of vigorous fruit
half of a hedgerow produce little, if any, valuable and vegetative buds.
47
Basic pruning cuts and make cuts to remove damaged or diseased wood. If
the branch appears diseased, make the cuts at least
techniques 30 cm (12 in.) below the diseased section.
When growers have some background on basic
pruning practices and the fundamental reasons for Guidelines for making removal cuts:
pruning Saskatoon berry plants, they can learn and • Make cuts at a slight angle to allow any free water
apply two standard pruning cuts and techniques. to shed.
The two necessary pruning cuts are removal and • Make cuts flush to the main branch and as clean
heading: as possible with the cutting blade against the
• removal cuts: eliminate or thin vegetative growth main branch.
• heading cuts: promote branching in close • Do not leave stubs for wood-boring insects or
proximity to the cut disease organisms to enter.
• Use a pruning compound only where fireblight or
Removal cuts other bacterial infections are present.
In general, removal or thinning cuts on Saskatoon
berry plants remove entire branches or growth back
to a main branch or the root crown. Removal cuts
should be made at the branch collar, a specialized
area of tissue that forms callous and scar tissue
most rapidly (see Figure 28).
Removing a branch from its base diverts the plant’s
resources into existing branches and allows greater
light penetration and more air movement. Removal
cuts are also made when a tree has too many
branches, which causes lower yield, poorly coloured
fruit and more disease and harvesting problems.
Lateral removal cuts on side branches are used to
thin the canopy and to remove other problems: Figure 28. Removal cuts – on left: heading back
cuts; on right: thinning cuts.
• wide or low branching, which is unproductive
• injured wood When removing a large branch (too big for regular
secateurs), cut the branch back to a live branch or
• narrow or split angles to a trunk. To remove a large branch, make cuts in
• diseased or insect-infested wood three stages:
1. First, make an undercut approximately 15 cm (6
A removal cut at ground level can be used to thin
in.) away from the trunk and about one-third of
the crown in the hedgerow or force a replacement
the way into the branch. This undercut prevents
branch from the root crown. Growers should make
the next cut from tearing the bark.
the cut as close to the ground as possible to prevent
infection by dieback disease organisms. 2. Next, make the top cut right through the upper
part of the branch about 5 cm (2 in.) beyond the
To avoid a replacement shoot where the cut is
undercut (toward the branch tip). This cut greatly
made, the removal cut should be made as close to
reduces the weight of the branch.
the point of origin as possible; for example, remove
a sucker well below the ground level with a sharp 3. What is left is a 15 cm (6 in.) stub that should be
spade or disc, or expose the rhizome to the crown removed with a third cut. Because there is little
for removal. weight on it, the stub is easier to remove, and the
bark will not tear.
Besides making cuts to shape the shrub and
encourage healthy growth, growers may have to
48
Figure 29. Large branch removal cuts.
Figure 30. Crown of a shallow-planted mature
Saskatoon berry: new buds, which will need to
Heading cuts be pruned to maintain the structure, can be seen
In general, heading cuts remove only part of the emerging at the base of the plant. Photo: Clarence
growth. When heading back (pruning) a branch, Peters
make an angle cut about 5 mm (0.25 in.) above an
outward-facing bud. This type of cut allows moisture
to roll off the cut surface, deterring the growth of
disease.
Heading-back cuts (see Figure 28) are also used
to remove the growing point of a branch, which
stimulates the growth of side buds and results in
more branches. This practice of heading back a
growing point on a branch is also known as tipping,
which is especially advantageous for a spindly
branch or bush.
Severe heading cuts will do the following:
• promote the development of new replacement
crown shoots for renewal pruning
• promote feathering of branches on newly planted
shrubs
Figure 31. This one-year-old, deep-planted
• increase the amount of fruiting wood when Saskatoon berry has been headed, forcing the
training the plants to a bush form growth of three main branches now emerging from
the crown, which remains beneath the soil. Photo:
Use a severe (or low) heading cut to force a new Clarence Peters
shoot from as low on the root crown as possible.
The cut is made near the crown if shallow planted After fruiting begins, heading techniques may be
and at ground level for deep-planted crowns. Leave used to promote and increase the production of
a 2.5 to 5 cm (1 - 2 in.) stub on shallow-planted and fruiting wood.
open-furrow stock, and cut to near ground level for Major heading cuts on older, larger or main branches
deep-planted stock. should be made sparingly and angled to existing
smaller branches. Do not leave any stubs as they
may quickly become infected by several common
canker and dieback pathogens.
49
Indiscriminate heading to older wood should not
be practised with Saskatoon berry plants since this
How much is best? procedure effectively removes all or a major portion
On the Vermette farm at Yorkton, of the year’s productive wood. Growers need to
Saskatchewan, the following aspects of learn to differentiate between vegetative buds and
tipping were observed: fruit buds.
No tipping
• few sides branches formed
• branches formed narrow angles
• tall growth observed
Tipping three buds

• moderate branching
• branches formed wider angles
• medium growth observed
Tipping five buds

• best branching
• branches formed wide angles
• shortest growth observed
“Tipping Demonstration” Clarence Peters
Figure 32. Left: juvenile leaf bud – the leaf buds are
narrow, pointed and pressed against the branch.
Growth habits of Saskatoon The top bud will produce a leader and the side buds,
lateral branching. Right: mature mixed fruit bud –
berries fruit buds are fatter and swollen, compared to the
Being aware of a few growth traits in Saskatoon buds on the left. The top bud will produce a flower
raceme and later, a new leader from a basal bud.
berries will help in pruning to greatest effect.
Photos: Clarence Peters
Although Saskatoon berry cultivars suppress some
of the natural growing and fruiting tendencies found Several years after planting, during the juvenile
in the wild (native) plants (see Saskatoon Berries in phase, Saskatoon berries grow only vegetatively,
the Wild section near the beginning of this chapter), and all the buds (apical/terminal and lateral)
these cultivars still retain some original growth habits produced are leaf buds. Growth extension (in the
that pruning can modify to the grower’s advantage. form of a new leader) occurs from the apical bud,
Recognizing these habits may help in better and limited lateral branching and growth extension
understanding both why the plant requires regular occur from lateral leaf buds.
pruning and its response to a pruning program. Once Saskatoon berries enter the reproductive
phase, fruiting begins and all apical and lateral buds
Branching habits of Saskatoon berries
have the potential to become mixed-fruit buds (both
Saskatoon berries do not produce new branching
fruit and vegetative buds) (see the Fruiting Habits
well if headed to older wood. The reason for this is
section below).
due to the differences in the branching and budding
tendencies of juvenile plants (years one to three) In summary, a plant in the juvenile state produces
and those in the reproductive phase. natural branching while a plant in the mature state
produce very little natural branching unless it had a
great deal of heading pruning to promote branching.
50
Only the dominant buds (apical and first laterals)
produce a new shoot. However with pruning,
additional lateral mixed-fruit buds can be induced to
form lateral branches in the same season.
How much to prune and when

The amount of growth that should be removed will
depend on what phase of growth the plants are in
and the purpose to be achieved. During the early
years of a plant’s growth, growers will be shaping
Figure 33. Saskatoon berry biology – typical

branching habit. Diagram: Clarence Peters
Suckering habits of Saskatoon berries

To some extent, the production of daughter plants
through suckering from lateral rhizomes occurs in all
Saskatoon berry plants, whether they are seedlings
or grown from a clonal or vegetative source. Also,
some suckering occurs more readily with certain
Saskatoon berry cultivars. (See the Cultivars chapter
for information on suckering tendencies in cultivars.)
Contrary to popular belief, annual and moderate
pruning reduces the development of suckers. As
noted earlier, deep planting has the potential to
reduce lateral suckering significantly, since rhizome
production occurs from the natural root crown,
not readily from the lower stem. This approach
means the rhizomes are too deep to be injured by
cultivation and less likely to reach the surface.
Fruiting habits of Saskatoon berries

Once Saskatoon berries begin to fruit, they produce
mixed-fruit buds – a cluster of fruit buds and several
groups of two or three leaves at the base of the
fruiting cluster. This growth lasts one year. During
the year, the plant prepares for next year’s growth
by producing a new leaf bud or mixed-fruit buds in
the leaf axils on new wood extensions produced on Figure 34. Low suckering bush – although under a
current year’s growth. light skiff of snow, this deep-planted, five-year-old
well-pruned Saskatoon berry shows little suckering
at the base. Photo: Clarence Peters
51
the plants; later, they will renew the plants annually Each phase will be described separately,
and develop an ongoing maintenance program. and a summary table outlining all the pruning
Old plants that have not been pruned regularly may recommendations for the growth phases appears
need to have rejuvenation techniques applied. after the discussion in the text.
Dormant season The objectives and procedures for pruning

Pruning during full dormancy is the least disruptive Saskatoon berry plants differ from one growth phase
to normal plant functions. All major pruning activities, to the next, but as noted, it is important to begin
such as renewal pruning and rejuvenation of pruning when the orchard is first established.
hedgerows, should be done during the fully dormant If growers have taken over some neglected
season – late fall, late winter or early spring before plants or poorly maintained orchard, the following
any new growth. Late fall will likely be the optimum recommendations for rejuvenation will help restore
choice for most growers because of time availability. the productivity of the plants.
However, the limited amount of research to date
favours spring pruning over fall pruning, but the Plant establishment phase: first or
differences are not great. second dormant season
The initial pruning of newly planted Saskatoon
A general rule for annual dormant pruning is to
berries serves three purposes:
remove up to or including one-quarter of the oldest
growth. This pruning will include much of the • alters the growth habit of the young plant from a
unproductive branches, general thinning and basal central leader to a multi-stemmed crown
cuts to remove a portion of the oldest branches.
• alters the balance of energy in older transplants
Specific amounts will be discussed later under each
by initially building a strong root system
phase of growth.
• alleviates a root-bound condition in transplants
Bud break overgrown in containers
Heading, or tipping, cuts should be made in early
spring. Pinching new growth after secondary bud
break may be equally effective. The advantage of
pinching is that none of the current year’s production
is lost since the terminal mixed-fruit bud is not
removed. Only the vegetative buds at the tip of the
branches that expanded after secondary bud break
are pinched.
Non-dormant pruning
Pruning after growth has begun in mid to late spring,
in summer or even in early fall should be kept to
a minimum and only be done to remove diseased
or dead tissue. Further research on non-dormant
pruning is needed.
Pruning recommendations for

Saskatoon berry growth phases
The pruning of Saskatoon berry plants occurs in four
phases:
• establishment phase
• training phase
Figure 35. Pruning Saskatoon berry plants:
• maintenance phase
establishment phase. Diagrams: Clarence Peters
• rejuvenation phase
52
Initial pruning the root system. Pruning should be delayed until the
Initial pruning develops a multi-stemmed shrub first dormant season, ideally the following spring.
rather than a plant with a strong central leader
(especially important with Martin and Thiessen Training phase: non-fruiting years
cultivars). Deep planting encourages branching Following the initial pruning during the first dormant
from the crown below the natural ground level rather period, the plants will have produced numerous
than from suckers. new shoots to form the crown. During the second
dormant period (about year two), growers now
The timing of the initial pruning will depend on the move to training pruning as the plants move from
type of planting stock (bare-rooted, container grown) the juvenile phase to the reproductive phase. This
and the time of planting. transitional period may continue until about year
Whether or not growers deep plant, the crown four.
should be set below the natural ground level to Training pruning is the most important phase in the
facilitate the development of a low, multi-stemmed life of the Saskatoon berry plantation. It will take at
crown. If growers do not deep plant, the natural least three years to develop a proper bush plant,
crown should be at least 2.5 to 5 cm (1 - 2 in.) one with a multi-stemmed crown and a vase-shaped
below the soil surface. Deep planting into a trench hedgerow, the preferred shape for commercial
or open furrow will mean setting the crown from harvesting. Although growers will be increasing the
10 to 15 cm (4 - 6 in.) below the soil surface (see the development of fruiting wood, proper development
Planting and Deep Planting sections in the Orchard of the hedgerow at this stage is more important than
Establishment chapter). bringing the plants into production.
Initial pruning of bare-rooted plants The exact procedures for pruning Saskatoon
Bare-rooted plants, recently dug or with weak root berries have not been well researched, but limited
systems, should be transplanted during the dormant experience and demonstrations suggest the plants
season, either in late fall or early spring. appear to respond similarly to well researched
Dormant, bare-rooted plants transplanted in the pruning procedures for most traditional commercial
spring may be pruned immediately after planting if fruit (currants, gooseberries, high bush blueberries).
they are strong. Delay the pruning of weaker plants
until the following spring.
Delaying pruning may delay bud break, but the delay
gives the current root mass a chance to establish.
This approach will allow the new vegetative growth
required to generate new root growth and develop a
balance between top growth and root mass.
Initial pruning of container-grown plants

Plants grown in containers from tissue-cultured
plants, etiolated cuttings or seed grown under
greenhouse conditions that are properly hardened-
off should be transplanted as dormant plants in early
spring or late fall.
Fully dormant container-grown plants of sufficient Figure 36. Pruning Saskatoon berries: training
size may be pruned in early spring right after phase – Year 2 and Year 3. Diagram: Clarence
planting. Very small stock plants should be pruned Peters
the following spring.
Training pruning: pruning techniques
Container-grown plants that are transplanted while
Training pruning removes enough top growth each
actively growing should not be pruned immediately
year to force the plant to produce new shoots from
after planting as the procedure would further weaken
the crown.
53
Three objectives of training pruning: • maintain a healthy and vigorous vase-shaped
hedgerow as narrow as possible at the base,
• increase the number of basal shoots from the
approximately 30 to 45 cm (12 - 18 in.) by
crown
reducing suckering and maintaining a separate
• produce shoots of varying ages to make it easier root crown
to begin renewal pruning in later years
• maintain the hedgerow with a height not
• develop a vase-shaped hedgerow exceeding 2 to 2.5 m (7 - 8 ft.) by annually
heading leaders back to lateral branches
Growers should prune in the late-dormant stage in
spring or just after buds start to open. Remember • maintain a high and predictable annual yield by
that all, or at least most, of the growth is vegetative promoting new growth annually
in the first few seasons. • replace some of the oldest branches annually
through renewal pruning at the base of the root
Year 1
crown
These procedures force the plant to increase the
number of shoots from the root crown. Annual renewal pruning
Renewal pruning replaces growth from the base
• select a few upright shoots in the first year of the plant over a specified number of years. For
• head them back to knee height if they reach example, a four-year renewal system replaces all
beyond 50 cm (20 in.) growth over four years by removing one-quarter of
the oldest branches every year. A five-year renewal
• remove any wide lateral shoots and weaker system replaces all growth in five years and so on.
upright shoots to ground level if shallow planted
The key factors to consider in renewal pruning are
• remove any wide lateral shoots and weaker the branching and fruiting characteristics of the
upright shoots to 5 cm (2 in.) from the ground if plant:
deep planted
• how and where it produces its best fruit
Year 2
• how and where it produces new branches
• follow the same procedure in the second, third
• the type of hedgerow desired for harvesting
and fourth springs until there are a number of
shoots varying in age from one to four-years-old Remember, Saskatoon berries do not usually
Years 3 and 4 produce mixed-fruit buds on new shoots in the year
they emerge from the crown, but they produce fruit
To force wide-angled lateral branching and increase almost exclusively on one-year-old wood thereafter.
the annual yield once the plant is fruiting:
Four-year renewal pruning
• in late spring, just after bud break, head back the A four-year renewal system with annual heading
oldest shoots to increase the number of lateral of the leaders to promote lateral shoots is
shoots (feathering) recommended. Main shoots older than four years
At most, this step will delay initial fruiting by one take up considerable space and generally have
year, but remember that fruiting in the first year is passed their prime. Older shoots tend to produce
usually insignificant. less and less as they age and then only on the
periphery or outside of the plant. These old shoots
Maintenance phase: fruiting/ just take up space.
reproductive years Annually removing one quarter of the main shoots
The pruning during this phase is referred to as
forces a sufficient number of new replacement
renewal pruning, since the objective is to establish
branches without making the crown too dense. Over
a pattern of pruning that renews and maintains the
time, the average of the oldest shoots will be lower,
vigour of the plant. The objectives for the pruning
and if the grower has headed them back annually,
procedures during the maintenance or fruiting
height growth is controlled when these shoots are
phase:
removed.
54
Advantages of a four-year renewal system along
with annual heading:
• maintain and extend the longevity of the
plantation indefinitely, without the need for radical
rejuvenation
• maintain and increase yields substantially
• reduce biennial fluctuations on fewer main shoots
from the crown
• reduce and maintain plant stature at an
acceptable height
• increase the strength and vigour of lateral
branches
• maintain the vigour and health of the plants,
since younger wood is less susceptible to some Figure 37. Pruning Saskatoon berries: annual tipping
plant diseases (especially canker), wood-boring or heading. Diagram: Clarence Peters.
insects, mechanical injury and breakage
Annual and regular maintenance pruning
In the spring of the first year of renewal, select
Besides heading and tipping to encourage new
a new shoot from the root crown. The shoot is
growth, regular maintenance pruning removes
vegetative the first year and produces secondary
mechanically damaged or diseased and insect-
or lateral branches. The second year, it produces
infested wood. This pruning may be done at any
fruit on the main shoot and lateral branches. Each of
time as long as it is not excessive.
the following springs, it should be headed annually
to continue production of the maximum number of Remove the following:
lateral shoots, while also reducing height growth.
• fireblight infections – remove as soon as possible,
By the fifth or sixth year, the branch is usually too and pruning tools should be disinfected between
high or the base circumference is too large, and cuts
it can either be headed back to a lower lateral or
• weak basal shoots, low lateral shoots and
removed at the base to force a replacement branch.
branches, unproductive side shoots with few fruit
Annual tipping or heading buds and most of the growth up to 50 cm (20 in.)
Annual tipping (pruning the dominant bud) and • lower laterals not producing fruit
heading during the dormant season (removing a
number of apical buds on shoots) encourage lateral The annual thinning of the crown and top growth
branching. increases air movement through the plants, which
helps reduce plant disease development. This
Pinching induces several lateral branches and
system also lends itself well to various forms of
sacrifices no fruit buds. Tipping sacrifices only a few
trellising, a system commonly used for many
dominant fruit-producing buds in the current season
commercial bush fruits in other countries, particularly
and produces equally wide-branch angles. The best
in Europe. On the prairies, trellises have not been
feathering response can be achieved two ways:
widely used.
• tipping or heading the leading shoots just after
primary bud break Rejuvenation phase of overgrown
hedgerows
• pinching new leaders that emerge from the
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, with
secondary bud break
proper pruning from first planting through the
training and maintenance phases, it is possible to
maintain a healthy and productive hedgerow at
55
a proper height and shape indefinitely. However,
since many plantations have been allowed to grow
to full maturity (some for 8 - 12 years) with little or Keep this in mind…
no proper pruning, other renewal techniques are
Fruit will form almost exclusively on mixed-fruit
needed.
buds produced on one-year-old wood and, to a
Rejuvenating overgrown hedgerows is not easy. lesser extent, on mixed buds produced at the
Growers will have to contend with a profuse base of the previous year’s fruiting clusters.
numbers of suckers, roots now so massive that All new lateral branches that are induced to
total removal of the top growth stimulates an grow can potentially produce mixed-fruit buds
overwhelming amount of regrowth and the loss of at each leaf axil along the branch. The new
the dwarfing effect. mixed-fruit buds are initiated by July each year,
and their development is in direct competition
In addition to regular pruning tools, growers may
with fruit production, so sufficient nutrients and
need chain saws, reciprocating saws, brush cutters,
moisture are very important during this time.
root pruners, pruning saws and a monumental
amount of labour.
Recommendations to rejuvenate severely overgrown
hedges that have never been properly pruned:
• thin and head new growth the following two
• remove one-quarter of the crown growth annually seasons, regardless of the method chosen
over four years, and use heading-back cuts to
reduce overall height; this method has produced • regrowth may be juvenile, resulting in a
the best results delayed return to fruiting
• plants tend to compensate for the yield loss by • when rejuvenating using this last method, do not
increasing branching and fruiting on the rest apply Casoron (diclobenil) herbicide in the fall
of the plant as well as with increased average before rejuvenation as the chemical affects new
fruit size shoot development
• regrowth was not juvenile and fruited in the

second year
OR
• remove all the growth as close to ground level as
possible in the first year (use a variety of methods
– brush hog, mower, pruners, etc.), followed
by burning the remainder of the crowns with
flax straw to produce a narrower hedgerow that
produces fewer and stronger new shoots
• when rejuvenating, the rows will have to be
narrowed to 25 to 30 cm (10 - 12 in.) by removing
all the wide sucker growth as close to the crown
as possible, which can be done by mechanical Figure 38. Total removal at Topps trials: all branches
root pruning or by burning the root crowns with are removed as close to the crown as possible
flax straw in this row of Saskatoon berries – further pruning
of the rapid growth that follows total removal will
• apply fertilizer and irrigate (if available) next
be needed in year two and three, followed by
spring to encourage growth maintenance pruning. Photo: Clarence Peters
56
Advantages of burning • killing of all the shallow-rooted wide suckers
Burning the remainder of the crowns (after radical • reduction in the number of new shoots
rejuvenation) with flax straw can produce a much
• emergence of any new shoots from below the soil
narrower new hedgerow with fewer and stronger
surface rather than from buds on injured stubs
new shoots than a hedge that was only removed to
above the ground
the ground.
Burning has demonstrated a number of other
advantages:
• removal of fireblight infections
• killing of all the above-ground portions (stubs) of
the plants
Table 5. Pruning recommendations for Saskatoon berry growth phases
Plant Establishment Phase: First or Second Dormant Season
Initial Pruning Develops a multi-stemmed shrub rather than a plant with a strong central leader.
Bare-rooted plants – spring planted
• strong plants: prune immediately after planting
• weaker plants: delay pruning until the following spring
Container-grown plants
• fully dormant plants of sufficient size: prune in early spring right after planting
• fully dormant small stock plants: prune the following spring
• actively growing plants: prune the following spring
Training Phase During second dormant period (about year two), move to training pruning as the plants
move from the juvenile phase to the reproductive phase.
Year 1
These procedures force the plant to increase the number of shoots from the root
crown.
• select a few upright shoots in the first year
• head them back to knee height if they reach beyond 50 cm (20 in.)
• remove any wide lateral shoots and weaker upright shoots to ground level if shallow
planted
• remove any wide lateral shoots and weaker upright shoots to 5 cm (2 in.) from the
ground if deep planted
Year 2
• follow same procedure in the second, third and fourth springs until there are a
number of shoots varying in age from one to four-years-old
Years 3 and 4
To force wide-angled lateral branching and increase the annual yield once the plant is
fruiting:
• in late spring, just after bud break, head back the oldest shoots to increase the
number of lateral shoots (feathering)
57
Maintenance Phase: Fruiting/Reproductive Years
Annual Renewal The pruning during this phase is referred to as renewal pruning
Pruning since the objectives are to establish a pattern of pruning that renews
and maintains the vigour of the plant.
Renewal pruning replaces growth from the base of the plant over a
specified number of years.
• remove some of the shoots at the base during the dormant season
Annual Thinning
• remove non-fruiting, superfluous lateral branches
Annual Heading
• tipping, heading or pinching to promote branching
Annual Maintenance Pruning
• remove damaged shoots
• maintain narrow row by removing wide suckers
• remove low laterals
• control insects and disease by pruning either when dormant or
during growing season if needed
Four-year Renewal A four-year renewal system with annual heading of the leaders to
Pruning promote lateral shoots is recommended.
Year 1
• select new shoot from root crown – will be a vegetative shoot;
produces secondary or lateral branches
Year 2
• produces fruit on the main shoot and lateral branches
Years 3 - 4 or 5
• head shoot annually each spring to continue production of the
maximum number of lateral shoots; also reduces height growth
Year 5 or 6
• branch usually too high or base circumference too large; it can
be headed back to a lower lateral or removed at base to force
replacement shoot
Annual Tipping or Annual tipping (pruning dominant bud) and heading during dormant
Heading season (removing a number of apical buds on shoots) encourages
lateral branching.
• regular maintenance pruning removes mechanically damaged,
diseased and insect-infested wood; may be done any time as long
as it is not excessive
Remove
• fireblight infections; disinfect tools between cuts
• weak basal shoots, low lateral shoots and branches, unproductive
side shoots with few fruit buds and most of the growth up to 50 cm
(20 in.) from the ground
• lower laterals not producing fruit
58
Rejuvenation Phase of Overgrown Hedgerows
Rejuvenation Phase Rejuvenate severely overgrown hedges that have never been properly pruned:
• remove one-quarter of the crown growth annually over four years; use heading-
back cuts to reduce overall height; this method has produced the best results
or
• remove all the growth as close to ground level as possible in the first year; burn the
remainder of the crowns with flax straw; do not apply Casoron (diclobenil herbicide)
in fall before rejuvenation as this product will affect shoot growth
and
• fertilize and water to encourage growth in the spring
• thin and head new growth the following two seasons, regardless of the method
chosen
59
Winter Hardiness and
Frost Tolerance
Winter hardiness The severity of damage to the flower buds depends
on their stage of development. Further research on
Although winter temperatures on the prairies can
Saskatoon berries and frost is needed, but research
drop to below minus 40ºC (minus 40ºF), Saskatoon
on apples, which are in the same family, shows that
berry plants are extremely hardy and are well
30 minutes of the temperatures in Table 6 will kill 90
adapted to survive, although improperly established
per cent of the flower buds at each particular stage.
seedlings may not.
The general principle is that as flower buds become
Growers in Chinook regions, with their cycles of more developed and progress towards and past
deep cold and thawing, may experience some blooming, they become more sensitive to frost.
damage or loss. However, by establishing orchards
with optimum conditions and maintaining good
Table 6. Frost tolerance levels in apples
cultural practices, growers in Chinook areas can
alleviate these risks and establish successful Flower bud stage Temperature tolerance
operations (see the Orchard Establishment chapter).
Tight bud flower – 8ºC (17.6ºF)
Frost tolerance and injury

First pink – 6ºC (21.2ºF)
symptoms
Untimely frosts are another risk for all growers. Full pink – 4.6ºC (23.7ºF)
Frost can damage buds at crucial times in their
development, and this damage, in turn, can mean
First bloom – 4ºC (24.8ºF)
little or no fruit development. If the frost is not
prolonged or too severe, the overall consequences
may not be too serious. Some buds can survive if Full bloom – 4.7ºC (23.5ºF)
they are deeper inside the plant or are facing south
and are more advanced in their development than Post bloom – 3ºC (26.6ºF)
those facing north.
Adapted from Mintenko 2007
Temperatures of minus 2.2ºC (28ºF) or lower can
damage Saskatoon berry flowers and newly set
fruit. If the temperature drops lower, the cold can
kill Saskatoon berry flower buds and other growing
tissue. Depending on the severity of the frost,
damage may be visible an hour later or several days
later. Damage is sometimes difficult to see; growers
should look for browning inside the flower bud or a
slight browning of petals.
61
Growing several different cultivars may help to
mitigate risk. Nelson, for example, flowers about
one week later than other cultivars, which, in a bad
year, might mean the difference between either
some harvest or no harvest at all. Even a few
days difference in blooming times can make a big
difference.
It is often recommended that growers plant two
or three cultivars to reduce risk. This practice has
the added benefit of also spreading out harvest
operations somewhat.
In addition to growing Saskatoon berries, growers
should also consider growing other fruit crops such
as raspberries, strawberries, chokecherries, black
currants, blue honeysuckle or dwarf sour cherries.
Slightly varied blooming times for other crops may
mean that if one crop fails due to cold conditions,
Figure 39. Frost injury is visible on these Saskatoon another may not.
berries; it is unlikely they will produce viable fruit.
Diversity
Some strategies can help offset the risks of cold
and frost damage. All growers will benefit from
establishing their orchards in optimum sites and
maintaining good cultural practices.
Figure 41. Mixed planting – strawberries, raspberries

and Saskatoon berries (extreme right) at the
Warman Berry Ranch, Saskatchewan.
Photo: Bob Bors
Figure 40. Diverse orchard – rows of strawberries

alternate with a row of raspberries with a row of
Saskatoon berries farthest in photo at the Warman
Berry Ranch, Saskatchewan. Photo: Bob Bors
62
Pests and Diseases
Pest and disease management • Chemical Control Practices: chemical controls
mean the use of manufactured pesticides. The
As a native of the Canadian prairies, Saskatoon
type of pesticide used and the application timing
berry plants are host to hundreds of native insects
are crucial. When necessary, pesticides should
as well as a number of mites and diseases.
be used with caution in combination with other
Fortunately, only a small portion of these elements
pest management tools. Overuse of chemicals
ever reach pest status.
can lead to the development of resistance in pest
Pest species are normally kept in check by natural populations or the disruption of natural control
control agents such as predators, parasites and mechanisms.
pathogens. Weather patterns most frequently
trigger pest outbreaks by interrupting natural cycles.
Intervention with broad-based pesticides may also Pest management systems
lead to the development of new pest problems by Because of the abundance of wild stands of
disrupting natural control mechanisms. Saskatoon berries that host a number of important
pests and diseases, growers need to be vigilant in
A spray chart for control of pests and diseases
monitoring for pest populations. Plantations should
listed according to bloom and bud stage has been
be located as far as possible from wild stands where
prepared for this chapter and can be found in
practical. Pest and disease problems may also be
Appendix 1.11.
cyclical and not a severe problem every year.
Growers should practice integrated pest
Pest management practices management and use chemical controls in
Ways to control pests and diseases: combination with other pest management practices,
rather than relying on chemicals as the sole control
• Natural Control Practices: natural control is
method.
a reliance on natural enemies and weather –
natural control alone will not be very effective with Three systems of pest management:
a native crop such as Saskatoon berries.
• conventional pest management
• Cultural Control Practices: the best cultural
• organic pest management
practices (site selection, irrigation and fertility
management, pruning, orchard sanitation) should • integrated pest management
be used to maintain a healthy orchard.
• Mechanical Control Practices: hand-picking pests,
Conventional pest management
physically removing or destroying infested parts, system
or installing barriers and traps can be employed in A conventional pest management system uses
some instances, although these methods are not chemical pesticides when pests occur. The system is
always effective on a commercial scale. Methods often effective only in the short term and may disrupt
such as pruning can help keep some issues, such natural control mechanisms. Using this system
as some diseases, in check. requires only a basic understanding of the pest or
disease.
• Biological Control Practices: bio-control involves
the use of naturally occurring or introduced
beneficial organisms such as predators,
parasitoids, pathogens or other control agents to
suppress and reduce pest populations.
63
Organic pest management and Applying a pesticide after the susceptible stage has
production system occurred or when economic damage has already
An organic pest management system uses natural occurred is a waste of time and money. Some
control methods for pest control, enhancing them if pesticides offer some residual control, but the
possible. The system uses either naturally occurring effectiveness depends on the product.
pesticides or pesticides accepted for use in organic
production.
Pests that feed on buds, flowers
and fruit
Integrated pest management system The pests that have the greatest economic effect on
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a term that Saskatoon berry plants are those that feed directly
describes the design and implementation of a pest on the buds, flowers and fruit, which results in either
management program that incorporates a diverse reduced yield or reduced fruit quality.
variety of pest control practices for specific pest
problems. IPM involves a systematic approach Apple curculio, Anthonomus
that incorporates natural, cultural, biological and quadrigibbus Say (Coeleoptera,
chemical methods of pest control. It requires a Curculionidae)
detailed understanding of all the pests or diseases. Apple curculio is a major pest of Saskatoon berry
IPM uses regular scouting or monitoring and plants and the most significant of the snout weevil
requires a greater understanding of pest life cycles pests of Saskatoon berries. This pest also attacks
to track changes in pest populations over the hawthorn, mountain ash, apples (especially Siberian
duration of the growing season. By understanding and ornamental crabs), pear and occasionally,
how a pest population is developing and the chokecherry. Damage results in a loss of fruit yield
actual effect of the pest, growers can make better and especially a reduction in fruit quality. Since
decisions about management practices. IPM also the larvae, pupae and adults may still be inside
uses economic thresholds as part of the pest control the berries at harvest time, they are also a fruit
decision-making process. Management practices contaminant.
are not focused on eradication, but rather on
suppression or maintenance of pest populations at
levels that do not have an economic effect.
The current level of understanding of the interaction
between Saskatoon berries and pests permits the
complete use of an IPM system for pest or disease
management on Saskatoon berries; however, there
is always room for improvement. When available,
a diverse set of control options for each pest or
disease will be given in this publication so that IPM
can be incorporated into orchard practices.
Insect pests
When coping with pests, growers need to be sure
they have identified the pest correctly and that
they understand its life cycle. Effective treatment
depends on choosing the right type of system and/ Figure 42. The snout on this adult apple curculio
or pesticide. is clearly seen as it prepares to puncture the fruit.
Timing is everything, since it is the interruption and
intervention in the life cycle at the right moment
that will destroy eggs, inhibit egg laying or destroy
fertile pests. Controls should be applied to attack the
most susceptible life stage or to provide protection.
64
Life Cycle
• Apple curculio produce only one generation per
season.
• The adult stage survives the winter in the soil
or plant debris, and adult emergence time is
temperature related.
• Adult weevils have prominent snouts, are hard-
shelled and bronze to brown with lighter patches
and two dorsal humps.
• Weevils become active by mid-May, feeding on
flower buds, pollen, flower parts, leaf petioles and
Figure 43. The apple curculio larva has developed later, young fruit.
and been feeding in the brown area inside the
ripening fruit bud. Larvae may also be found inside • Mating occurs soon after they become active.
rotted fruit. Photo: Clarence Peters • Translucent white oblong eggs are deposited
inside the fruit through feeding punctures, usually
near the stem attachment, and are hidden with
frass; one egg is deposited per fruit.
• White to cream-coloured larvae feed on the
developing seeds in the fruit.
• Pupation occurs inside the fruit, and pupae may
be inside the fruit at harvest time.
• The appearance of the new generation of adults
coincides with harvest time, and adult weevils are
frequently contaminants in the fruit. New adults
seek shelter in debris, where they remain during
the rest of summer and over the fall and winter.
Feeding and Damage Symptoms

• Adult weevils initially feed on pollen, but may also
injure flowers, stamens and stigmas, as well as
stems and new shoots.
Figure 44. Damage/holes where the apple curculio
has fed are now beginning to rot. Photo: Clarence • Puncturing of young fruit may cause the fruit
Peters to abscise (fall off), and overall yield may be
somewhat reduced. Most fruit remains intact, but
the quality of the remaining fruit is greatly reduced
by the injuries.
• Adult weevils may puncture the fruit, often
repeatedly, during feeding and leave deep scars.
• Adult weevils also injure the fruit near the stem
attachment during oviposition (egg laying) and
larger fruit develop with the larvae inside.
65
• Larvae feed on the developing seeds in the fruit,
and pupae remain in the fruit until they transform
into adults.
• Scarred and injured fruit may be misshapen and
tight on the stem at harvest.
Controls
Natural
• A number of parasites are common, which keep
the pest in check.
• Predators are common, but the weevils are well
camouflaged and play dead.
Cultural
• Isolate from native stand of Saskatoon berry and
chokecherry.
Figure 45. Leaves that stem off this plant shoot are
• Control weeds. dying due to cherry shoot borer. Photo: Clarence
Peters
• Remove infested green fruit (time consuming) –
not likely cost effective.
Life Cycle
Monitoring
• Cherry shoot borers overwinter as eggs on mixed
• Sweep net sampling is effective; try yellow sticky
fruit buds.
traps, which have been useful in monitoring in
apple orchards. • Larvae hatch in early spring as the mixed buds
begin to expand.
Chemical
• Larvae feed internally, inside new shoots, in leaf
• Application of registered control products should peduncles (stalks) and rachises (central stem)
be timed to control arriving adults (balloon stage) of fruit inflorescences, causing them to wilt and
or adults present (after petal fall). abscise (fall off).
Cherry shoot borer, Argyresthia oreasella • Mature larvae bore a hole through the base of
Clemens (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae) the inflorescence and drop to the soil to pupate in
mid-June.
Cherry shoot borer is a major pest in native stands
of Saskatoon berry plants, as well as chokecherry, • Very small, slender, silvery white and gold moths
and is potentially a major pest of Saskatoon berry emerge in late June or July, mate and lay eggs in
orchards. the bracts of new buds.

• Initial injury is unseen as the pest burrows into
the base of the buds.
• Loss of entire fruit clusters can result.
66
Controls
Natural
• Several significant parasites are present, which
keep the pest in check.
Cultural
• Isolate from native stands of Saskatoon berry,
pincherry and chokecherry.
Chemical
• No specific insecticides are registered for this
pest in Saskatoon berry plant. Applications of
registered control products at early bud stages for
control of other pests may provide some control. Figure 47. Hawthorn lacebug damage - note
presence of different stages, as well as frass and
Hawthorn lacebug, Corythuca cydoniae debris. Photo: Robert Spencer
(Fitch) (Hemiptera, Tingidae)
The hawthorn lacebug can seriously damage
Saskatoon berry foliage, and in extreme cases, it
may cause complete defoliation of the plants by late
summer.
Severe stress may reduce the vigour of the plant
and the development of new fruit buds. Alternatively,
severe stress may cause the plants to become
dormant by mid to late summer, bud and then flower
again in late August.
Hawthorn lacebugs are also found on hawthorns,
mountain ash and cotoneaster.
Figure 48. Hawthorn lacebug damage seen in leaf

mottling, caused by the sucking of the cellular sap
– note pale sections of the leaves; brown patches
indicate dying leaf parts. Photo: Robert Spencer
Life Cycle
• Hawthorn lacebugs produce two full generations
and a possible partial third generation per year.
• Adults overwinter in leaf litter beneath host plants.
Figure 46. Adult hawthorn lacebugs can be found • Adults begin to feed in early spring and mate
on flowers, fruit and both sides of the leaves. Photo: shortly after.
Clarence Peters
• Adults are small bugs with a lace-like
appearance.
67
• Black vase-shaped eggs are laid from mid-May Hawthorn weevil, Pseudanthonomus
to early June on midribs and main veins of leaf crataegi (Walsh) (Coeleoptera,
undersides. Curculionidae)
• Blackish nymphs with few markings hatch in late The hawthorn weevil and other related weevils
June to mid-July and are very active. can also cause economic loss of fruit in Saskatoon
• Nymphs mature and feed until late August then berries. The pest generally breeds on native
fall to the ground and find shelter in leaf litter. hawthorn.
• A second generation of adults matures in the fall.

• Early spring feeding by wintering adults causes
stippling of unfolded leaves and damages
developing buds and flowers.
• Adult lacebugs and nymphs suck cellular sap,
resulting in greyish spotting, stippling and
desiccation of the foliage.
Figure 49. The hard shell and the snout, which
• Later generations feed on all plant surfaces: punctures the plant when the hawthorn weevil feeds,
leaves, stems and developing and maturing fruit, are clearly visible. Photo: Clarence Peters
resulting in light ghost spots on the fruit.
• Large populations of adults, with associated sap
and frass, can deter some pickers and reduce
overall fruit quality.
Controls
Natural
• Ladybird beetles (coccinelid beetles) are a
predator; biological control is not practical due to
the tendency of beetles to disperse.
Cultural
• Isolate from native Saskatoon berry stands if
practical. Figure 50. Hawthorn weevil damage: note the
punctures on the petals on left and upper right.
Chemical
• No specific insecticide is registered for Hawthorn
lacebug on Saskatoon berry plants. Application
of registered control products for other registered Life Cycle
pests may provide some control of wintering • Hawthorn weevils produce one generation per
adults and the first generation of nymphs. season.
• Adult weevils winter in soil or plant debris and
become active in early May, usually by the tight
cluster stage.
• Weevils are hard shelled and metallic reddish
brown with a long snout.
68
• Oblong translucent eggs are placed just under
the skin of green fruit, although eggs are
predominantly laid on hawthorn.
• Weevil larvae are greyish white to cream or light
yellow.

• Weevils feed on pollen and injure all floral parts,
including the anthers, stigmas, petals and green
fruit.
• Adults make numerous feeding punctures (often
clustered) on green berries; oviposition (egg
laying) marks are not distinguishable
• Some research suggests that larvae may tunnel
along new shoots, killing flower clusters in a
manner similar to cherry shoot borer.
Figure 51. Oblique-banded leafroller larvae are light
• Infested fruit fails to develop normally, ripens green to yellow green to dark green; head is dark
early and unevenly, has hard cores and remains brown to black. Photo: Clarence Peters
tight on the stem at harvest.
Controls
Chemical
• Application of registered control products should
be applied at either balloon floret stage to control
some of the overwintering adult weevils as they
arrive or shortly after petal fall to control feeding
weevils.
Leafrollers, numerous species

(Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)
Figure 52. Fruit tree leafroller larvae are light
Leafrollers usually feed within folded leaves or within coloured with a dark head; the leaf shows the
clusters of fruit tied in with the leaves. Numerous eating pattern and the beginning of the webbing
species of leafrollers attack Saskatoon berries and that will “tie” the leaf, causing it to curl. Photo:
many other native and orchard fruit crops, among Clarence Peters
them:
• fruit tree leafroller, Archips argyrospila (Walker) Life Cycle
• oblique-banded leafroller, Choristoneura • Some leafroller species have several generations
rosaceana (Harr.) per season.
• three-lined leafroller, Pandemis limitata (Rob.) • Wintering varies among different species, but
• four-lined leafroller, Argyrotaenia quadrifasciana leafrollers usually overwinter in the egg stage or
(Fern.). as partially developed larvae.
• Larvae begin feeding as leaves begin to unfold
and develop.
69
• Larvae roll, or tie, leaves and feed inside the
rolled leaf.
• Pupation occurs within the rolled leaves.
• Adults are moths, generally light tan to dark
brown.

• Leaves are folded, rolled or tied to fruit clusters.
• Damaged fruits are partially notched or
completely eaten.
Controls Figure 53. McDaniel spider mite webbing can be

seen, and small dots on the webbing are the spider
Cultural mites; ladybird beetles are a good predator for
control of this pest. Photo: Clarence Peters
• Isolation of Saskatoon berry orchards away from
native stands or other orchard trees may be of
some benefit.
Chemical
• Application of registered oil products at bud break
can provide control of fruit tree leafroller.
• Application of registered control products to
control other registered pests may provide some
control of leafrollers.
McDaniel spider mite, Tetranychus

mcdanieli McGregor and two-spotted
spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch
(Acari, Tetranychidae)
Two species of spider mites can cause economic
injury to Saskatoon berries: two-spotted spider mites
and McDaniel spider mites.
Figure 54. The extensive webbing clearly indicates
Two-spotted spider mites are very common and that there is an infestation of McDaniel spider mites
feed predominantly on the undersides of leaves. on this plant. Photo: Clarence Peters
McDaniel mites are much more damaging and can
cause severe injury to fruit buds, flowers, young fruit
and leaves when abundant in spring. Mites are not
true insects, but are more closely related to spiders.
70
and eventually expanding to all plant parts. A
copious amount of webbing is produced, which
may enshroud the plants.
• Damage leads to water stress, eventual
premature defoliation and blasting of flower buds.
• Two-spotted spider mite feeding may cause
plants to have small red or bronze leaves, which
may fall off in heavy infestations.
Controls
Natural
• Mites are normally kept in check by a number
of predatory mites. Note: chemical applications
Figure 55. Two-spotted spider mite adults - note may also kill these predatory mites, resulting in
distincitve dark spots. Photo: Marion Herbut, Alberta possible outbreaks of spider mites.
Research Council
Biological
Life Cycle • Introducing predatory mites may be effective

since natural dispersal is very limited.
• Mature pregnant female mites (bright orange-red)
overwinter in the soil, plant debris or under loose Cultural
bark and become active early in spring.
• Isolation from native Saskatoon berry stands,
• Wintering mites lay up to 50 translucent to where practical, is recommended.
yellowish round eggs. Fertilized eggs produce
females (80 per cent of all eggs), and unfertilized Chemical
eggs produce males. Mating occurs as the first • No specific pesticides are registered for this pest.
offspring mature. Applications of registered pesticides for other
• Spider mites go through four developmental pests may be effective in controlling spider mites.
stages: a larval stage (six legs), two nymphal
stages and an adult stage (eight legs). Under cool Saskatoon bud moth, Epinotia bicordana
spring conditions, a new generation occurs in 15 Heinrich (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)
to 25 days. The Saskatoon bud moth is a native insect and a
• Summer females lay up to 100 eggs each. Eggs major pest of Saskatoon berries. It predominantly
are translucent with characteristic spots. Under attacks Saskatoon berry plants but is found on
hot conditions, a new generation occurs in 8 to 15 other species of the Rose family: hawthorns, roses,
days mountain ash, cotoneaster, apples and crabapples
(prefers cultivars with densely hairy buds).
• Spider mites may have 10 or more generations
per season. The following bud moths also feed on Saskatoon
berry buds, flowers and leaves, causing significant
damage:
• yellow-headed fireworm (Acleris minuta)
• Spider mites have piercing mouthparts and injure
• eye-spotted bud moth (Spilonota ocellana)
individual cells, causing desiccation and loss of
chlorophyll. • leafcrumpler (Acrobasis indiginella)
• General plant symptoms are speckling and • gold-striped leaftier (Machimia tentoriferella)
bronzing, beginning on the undersides of leaves
• Sparganothis fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana)
71
Figure 58. Saskatoon bud moth damage: webbing-
Figure 56. Saskatoon bud moth larva is lodged in encased debris from the damaged plants may
the top of the bud, which has been eaten away. harbour pupae. Photo: Clarence Peters
Figure 57. Larva is feeding inside the green fruit

cluster. Photo: Clarence Peters
Figure 59. Saskatoon bud moth adult is well
camouflaged in its natural habitat. Photo: Clarence
Peters
72
• Larvae feed on individual flower buds, tying
Life Cycle
the inflorescence with webbing and removing
• Adult moth is 10 mm (0.4 in.) in length, slate to stamens and stigmas.
brownish grey and variously patterned with white,
• Mature larvae feed on young fruit, tying fruit
grey and brownish scales.
clusters with webbing.
• Adult moths overwinter under bark and probably
in leaf litter.
Controls
• Adult moths appear before all snow has melted
and may be seen fluttering around Saskatoon Monitoring
berry shrubs on warm calm days, particularly at • Moths fly at dusk and dawn. They are not
dusk. attracted to ultraviolet light traps, but pheromone
• Adult moths hide under bark on cool days and traps could be used.
crawl up and down branches when disturbed. • Moths are attracted to canary yellow and lemon
• Moths mate shortly after emerging in early spring. yellow sticky traps.
• Moths lay cream to light pink to mauve eggs at Cultural

the base of mixed-fruit buds (bud axils); eggs
• Plant away from native Saskatoon berry stands in
hatch mid-April to May.
areas where isolation is practical.
• Larvae are nearly translucent and 1.5 mm
Chemical
(0.03 in.) long with darker heads; they turn light
green or cream after feeding. • Registered oils can be applied at bud break to
control moth eggs and newly emerged larvae.
• Maturing larvae feed on flowers, young fruit and
leaves tied together with webbing; most remain in • Registered control products may be applied at
the larval stage throughout the summer. green tip stage to tight bud cluster to control
newly emerged larvae. A second application
• Pupation occurs within protective webbing or
(balloon floret stage) for other pests may provide
encased in debris within fruit cluster or leaves.
some control of feeding larvae.
• New moths emerge very late in fall and
immediately seek shelter for the winter. Saskatoon sawfly, Hoplocampa
montanicola Rowher (Hymenoptera,
Feeding and Damage Symptoms Tenthredinidae)
• Newly hatched larvae attack mixed-fruit buds in The Saskatoon sawfly and several closely related
the silver tip or bud stage, but larvae occasionally sawfly species (Hoplocampa lacteipennis Rohwer,
feed in the fully dormant bud stage during a very Hoplocampa pallipes MacGillivry, shadbush sawfly,
early spring. Hoplocampa halcyon Norton) are major pests of
Saskatoon berries affecting both yield and fruit
• Larvae eat tiny holes, less than 1 mm (0.04 in.) in quality. When very numerous, these pests can cause
diameter, through the bracts covering emerging a nearly complete loss of fruit. Chokecherry is also
buds, or they slip in behind the bud scales, a host.
leaving no visible sign of entry.
• Flower buds with tiny holes may have droplets
oozing out.
• Larvae may sever or injure the bud stem and
prevent the cluster from expanding, causing them
to wilt and dry.
• Flower buds may be yellow and fall off easily
when touched.
73
Figure 60. Saskatoon sawfly ovipositing eggs at
the base of the flower bud, leaving a scar.
Photo: Clarence Peters Figure 62. Saskatoon sawfly injury: black patches
are injured fruit that will rot before maturing. Photo:
Clarence Peters
Life Cycle
• Small, slender wasp-like adult sawflies appear
on Saskatoon berry plants just before the balloon
stage of the florets. They are darker in the
anterior (front end) with a yellowish abdomen.
• Eggs are laid in the nectaries via slits under the
calyxes.
• Larvae are cream to yellowish.
• Mature larvae drop to the soil and remain inactive
in the soil and debris through the summer, fall and
winter.
• Pupation occurs in early spring.

• Adult sawflies feed in the nectaries and on the
pollen, but cause little or no damage.
• Females make oviposition scars under the
calyxes while ovipositing eggs.
Figure 61. Young Saskatoon sawfly larva will chew
• Young larvae chew holes in the floral cup into
holes in the floral cup to feed. Photo: Clarence
young fruit.
Peters
• Young fruit attacked by larvae abscises (falls off)
quickly.
74
• Larvae partially damage younger fruit and
completely hollow out older fruit.
• Damaged fruit may have dark hollow patches; the
last fruit attacked is a blackened empty shell.
• Infested fruit may resemble brown rot
superficially.
• Each larva destroys several fruits.
Controls
Natural
• Timing of attack sometimes delayed by weather
factors.
Cultural Figure 63. The image shows the shield shape of the
tarnished plant bug adult and gives a good indication
• Isolate from native Saskatoon berry stands where of its size. Photo: Clarence Peters
practical.
Chemical
• Registered control products should be applied at
25 per cent bloom to control adults and young,
developing larvae.
Tarnished plant bug/Lygus bugs, Lygus

lineolaris (Palisot) (Hemiptera, Miridae)
Lygus bugs are “true bugs” with piercing/sucking
mouthparts. The tarnished plant bug (TPB), the
most common species, is a major pest of Saskatoon
berries, as well as thousands of other plants, and is
extremely abundant every spring. At least five other
lygus bugs closely related to the TPB also feed on
Saskatoon berries but to a lesser extent.
Figure 64. The tarnished plant bug has fed on the
florets of this plant; petals are missing and partially
eaten, and those remaining are limp.
Life Cycle
• TPBs survive the winter as adults in plant debris
and become active very early in spring.
• TPB and related species feed on at least 1,000
other plant species.
75
• Adult TPBs are variously coloured from greenish Woolly elm aphid, Eriosoma americanum
to tan, reddish brown or near black; other species (Riley) and woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma
are variously coloured and marked. lanigerum (Hausm.) (Homoptera,
• All TPBs have the characteristic “shield” shape Pemphigidae)
and long feeding piercing mouthpart (stylet), The woolly elm aphid (WEA) and the woolly
tucked under the legs; they also have a distinctive apple aphid (WAA) are currently among the most
yellow triangle on their upper back. destructive insects in Saskatoon berry orchards. The
• TPBs rarely lay eggs on the leaves of Saskatoon primary host for both insects is the American elm.
berry plants, so nymphs (immature insects) are These insects destroy the root system, and vigilance
not commonly seen on them. Nymphs resemble is particularly needed during the establishment years
aphids but move more quickly. for new plants.

• Adult TPBs are the only life stage usually seen
on Saskatoon berries. Adults feed on all bud and
flower stages until petal fall and generally move
on to other plant species for egg laying.
• Feeding causes blind buds (failure to develop)
and bud blast (desiccated buds) that resemble
winter injury or partial bud injury resulting in
severe stunting or bud curvature.
• Feeding on individual florets causes wilting and
blasting of individual florets.
• Feeding causes severe yield reductions.
Controls
Monitoring
Figure 65. A serious infestation of woolly apple
• Survey by observation from April 15 to May 15; aphids on elm leaves. Photo: Clarence Peters
look for the presence of adult lygus bugs. Look
for blind buds (resembles winter injury), buds
with droplets of sap oozing out and later, look for
wilting, blasted or missing floret buds.
Cultural
• Isolation is impractical because of the wide range
and distribution of hosts.
Chemical
• Apply registered control products at green tip
stage to control wintering adults. A second
application at balloon floret stage may provide
some control of adults.
76
Figure 66. An example of typical curling of elm Figure 68. Woolly elm aphid infestation causing
leaves caused by a seruous infestation of woolly swollen root system - note white, waxy residue in
elm aphids (WEA) - note presence of aphids and soil and around the plant. Photos: Robert Spencer
honeydew inside curled leaves. Photos: Robert
Spencer
Life Cycle
• Life cycles of WEA and WAA are essentially
identical.
• Eggs overwinter in bark crevices of American elm
trees.
• Wingless mothers hatch in early spring and give
birth to two generations of live nymphs.
• A third generation of winged females appears
in mid-June to early July and begins to migrate,
either by flight or blown by strong winds, to
Saskatoon berry plants. This activity takes place
around the same time that purple lilacs tend to
bloom.
• WEA moves directly to the roots where they
Figure 67. Swollen, spongy root system of a produce numerous generations of wingless
Saskatoon berry plant that has been attacked by aphids, and their feeding results in root nodules
woolly elm aphids (WEA). Photo: Robert Spencer or galls and the proliferation of extensive fibrous
roots in dense clusters.
77
• WAA initially colonize pruning scars, cankers or • Put out yellow pan traps.
the lower portion of main shoots near the ground.
• Check newly planted Saskatoon berries for the
Feeding on lower stems causes upright branches
presence of winged females from late June to
to arch horizontally or downward.
early August.
• WAA then moves to the main roots, where they
• Check for evidence of aphid colonization on
produce numerous generations of wingless
lateral roots 2.5 to 13 cm (1 - 4 in.) deep and the
aphids, and their feeding results in the formation
base of new brown shoots from mid-July to mid-
of root nodules or galls.
September. Aphids will be coated and surrounded
• In fall (as late as mid-October), winged females with whitish waxy and woolly material.
return to American elms and give birth to winged
males and females, which mate. Natural
• The resulting offspring are all females; each • Watch for ladybird beetles at base of plants
produces a single egg deposited on the bark of and in cracks in soil; they are one of the main
the tree. predators.
Biological
Feeding and Damage Symptoms • Predators include ladybird beetles, syrphid flies
• Initial underground feeding may result in the and antlions; however, these predators tend to
proliferation of new shoots or densely fibrous root disperse rapidly when released.
growth, root nodulation and galls.
Cultural
• First sign of injury is usually in late summer when
• Removal of American elms in near vicinity
infested plants turn to fall colours early (flagging)
may help, but infestations from elms 160 km
and lose leaves prematurely.
(100 miles) away have been recorded.
• Feeding also predisposes affected areas to fungal
• No cultivar is immune, but Northline and Smoky
rot organisms in the soil.
are the most susceptible to WEA. Martin and
• By spring, young plants are severely stunted or Thiessen are the least susceptible.
nearly dead from fungal root rot.
• Martin and Thiessen are more susceptible to
• Plants may break bud but regress soon after or WAA.
occasionally grow normally until July and collapse
• Plastic and organic mulches do not provide
in the intense heat.
protection; polyethylene fabric mulches proved
• Older, more mature shrubs may be less adversely most effective but also most expensive.
affected since they are deeply rooted.
• Row covers from late June to mid-September
• Damage may be confined to new crown shoots or work, but are cost prohibitive.
suckers, or damage may be confined to a portion
of the plant or a few shoots that die back. Chemical
• Registered systemic control products are
available for treatment of established (minimum
Controls
one year) non-bearing plants as well as for
Monitoring fruiting orchards.
• Watch for tightly rolled or disfigured leaves on • Treatments are applied as a soil injection or plant
American elms. drench, with the goal being to saturate the root
zone.
• Watch for the appearance of winged aphids in
rolled leaves.
78
• Treatments are ideally applied in early to mid- Blackleaf/witches’ broom, Apiosporina
July, but may be applied as late as early August. collinsii (Schwein.) Höhn (Pleosporales,
• Timing varies depending on the crop stage Venturiaceae)
(bearing or non-bearing) and the pre-harvest
interval of the applied product.
Diseases
As with the insect pest problems associated with
Saskatoon berry production, the incidence of
diseases in Saskatoon berry orchards is complicated
by the presence of wild stands of Saskatoon berry
plants. Locating the orchard as far as possible from
wild stands and vigilance in monitoring the condition
of the plants may help.
Here are Saskatoon berry plant diseases to watch
for, their symptoms and also cultural and chemical
control methods.
Bacterial blast, Pseudomonas syringae

(Pseudomonadales, Pseudomonadaceae)
Symptoms and treatment are nearly identical to
fireblight (see the Fireblight entry further on in this Figure 69. Early stage infection of blackleaf/witches’
broom developing on a Saskatoon berry plant - note
section).
proliferation of shoots and leaf deformation that is
commencing. Photo: Robert Spencer
Figure 70. Characteristic “scrolling” symptom of blackleaf on Saskatoon berry - note how leaf margins roll
downward. Photo: Robert Spencer
79
Blackleaf, or witches’ broom, occurs mainly in older
or neglected orchards and in wild stands, although it
occasionally occurs in small amounts in maintained
orchards. Blackleaf is not a lethal disease and
should not significantly affect production, provided it
is adequately controlled.
Blackleaf overwinters in infected tissues and debris,
and spores are produced and released in the spring.
The fungus infects the leaves of new shoots and
suckers only (older wood is not affected). Infected
shoots are stimulated to produce many new shoots
(witches’ broom). Infected leaves eventually die and
may remain on the plant.
Symptoms
• Edges of infected leaves roll downward (scroll-like
appearance).
• Undersides of leaves become covered with
a grey-brown, felt-like fungal growth, which
eventually turns black.
• Infected leaves die and may remain on the
branches during winter.
Figure 71. Early to heavy development of black felt-

like growth on leaf undersides of blackleaf infection
on Saskatoon berry. Photos: Robert Spencer and
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.
A Pruning Reminder
Pruning can help control disease by removing
any diseased portions of the Saskatoon berry
plant as soon as growers notice them. Pruning
helps control the following:
• bacterial blast
• blackleaf/witches’ broom
• cytospora canker
• fireblight
Pruning also improves air circulation, which

influences disease development.
Technique:
• cut well below the infection (at least 30 cm
or 12 in.)
Figure 72. The dense clump of deformed branches
• disinfect tools immediately after use
is typical of blackleaf/witches’ broom. Photo: Robert
Spencer • burn refuse
80
• Shoot tips are stimulated to produce many new
Symptoms
shoots (witches’ broom symptom).
• Flowers turn brown prematurely.
• Fruit on infected plant parts dries up or ripens
prematurely. • Fruit surfaces develop brown spots that progress
to light grey-brown tufts.
Control • Infected fruit may drop or remain on the tree and

become mummified.
Cultural
• Remove and destroy infected seedlings,
Control
transplants and branches.
Cultural
• Prune out infected branches 10 to 20 cm (4 - 8
in.) below infection site. • Collect and destroy mummified fruit and fallen
leaves.
Chemical
Chemical
• There are no registered pesticides for the control
of blackleaf in Saskatoon berry plants. • Some control of brown fruit rot, or mummyberry,
may be achieved by fungicide applications for
Brown fruit rot or mummyberry, Monilinia control of Entomosporium leaf and berry spot.
amelanchieris (J.M. Reade) Honey.
(Helotiales, Sclerotiniaceae) Cytospora canker and dieback, Cytospora
leucostoma (Pers.) Sacc. (Diaporthales,
Valsaceae)
Figure 73. The ripening fruit on these bushes at

Davidson, Saskatchewan, show varying stages of
brown fruit rot development. The fruit on the left, Figure 74. This orchard is weakened and in decline
which has not fully matured, is already mummified. and has a number of bushes succumbing to a
Photo: Clarence Peters cytospora canker. Photo: Robert Spencer
Brown fruit rot, or mummyberry, occurs during

flowering when spores are released from previous
year’s fallen mummified fruit and leaves during bud
break. The spores can infect flowers, young fruit,
and leaves. Disease development is favoured by
humid weather.
81
• Younger bark becomes slightly sunken then
wrinkled.
• Older bark splits vertically and peels back
revealing reddish inner bark.
• Irregular vertical cracks result in cankers.
• A cone radiating out from the pith causes a
black stain indicating the disease is spreading
internally.
Control
Cultural
Figure 75. Black stain on some of the branches • Prune dying and dead stems 30 cm (12 in.) below
indicates cytospora is spreading internally. Photo: observed infection.
Robert Spencer
• If there is an internal black stain, prune below
that.
• Sterilize pruning tools between cuts.
• Burn all pruned material.
• Allow plants to harden off properly in the fall.
• Maintain healthy plants through supply of
adequate water, nutrients, etc.
Entomosporium leaf and berry spot,

Entomosporium mespili (DC.) Sacc.
(Helotiales, Dermateaceae)
Figure 76. The peeling and split bark is another

indication of cytospora. Photo: Robert Spencer
Cytospora canker is caused by the organism

Cytospora leucostoma. Pathogens invade injured
areas and progress downwards. Large branches or
main stems die back towards the crown of the plant.
Infection may spread into root suckers from the
crown. Twigs and smaller side branches are more
capable of sealing off infection.
This disease is often more prevalent in older,
neglected, stressed, weakened or damaged/injured
orchards.
Figure 77. Entomosporium leaf and berry spot:
foliar lesions, angular, blocky lesions. Photo: Robert
Symptoms Spencer
• Buds and leaves shrivel in spring.

• Development of fall colours during the season of
active growth (flagging).
82
Figure 79. These berries are infected with
Entomosporium - note the characteristic spots with a
slight halo; berries will be tough and woody textured
as a result of infection. Photo:Robert Spencer
Entomosporium leaf and berry spot is the most

widespread and serious disease problem that
Saskatoon berry producers face every year. This
disease is a problem across the prairies, due
in part to the high level of incidence within wild
stands of Saskatoon berry plants and the difficulty
in completely removing this pathogen once it is
established in an orchard.
Other plants within the Rose family (including
hawthorn, mountain ash, apple and pear) may be
infected by Entomosporium; however, it is not known
how common this disease is a pest of these other
hosts.
Entomosporium leaf and berry spot, caused by the
fungus Entomosporium mespili, infects the leaves,
shoots/branches and fruit of the Saskatoon berry
plant, rendering the infected fruit unmarketable and
reducing the productivity of infected plants through
foliar infections and defoliation (in the case of severe
infections).
Entomosporium is mainly spread on and within the
plant by distinctive-looking asexual spores called
conidia. Disease development and spore production
Figure 78. Entomosporium leaf and berry spot are favoured by conditions of high humidity and/
range of foliar infection levels, from light to severe or precipitation, warm temperatures and shading.
infections. Photos: Robert Spencer Entomosporium develops most rapidly at 20 to
26°C (68° - 79°F) and is most active from early May
through mid-July (particularly in wet years).
83
Spore dispersal is triggered by precipitation and is • carefully consider plant density
linked to the movement of water (splash, etc.). In
• place shelterbelts carefully to allow sufficient
hot, dry years and in drier locations, the incidence
airflow
and severity of Entomosporium may be reduced
somewhat. • Irrigate the soil at the base of the plants, rather
than the plants themselves, using drip irrigation
Conidia of Entomosporium infect the leaves of new
systems – do not irrigate with sprinklers.
shoots as well as berries (immature to mature).
• Removing fallen leaves may remove some of the
There is some debate as to how Entomosporium
disease inoculum; however, this practice will not
overwinters within a Saskatoon berry orchard. It has
prevent disease infection and development.
been suggested that the pathogen may overwinter
on fallen leaves and twigs or perhaps on stems, Chemical
twigs and branches.
• A number of registered control or suppression
Regardless of how the disease overwinters, once products are available for use.
Entomosporium is present, growers can assume it
will persist and will need to be dealt with on a yearly • There are NO curative products.
basis. It is safer to assume that Entomosporium is • Apply preventative/protective fungicide sprays to
present from the establishment of an orchard and protect developing tissues, with a more specific
act accordingly. focus on protecting the fruit.
• The use of other products may be needed to
Symptoms protect developing foliage.
Leaf Symptoms • Applications can be timed based on two methods:
• Initial infection appears as small, angular brown • Many products are designed to be applied
spots. two to three times over the course of the bud,
• Spots grow, may join together and are often flower and fruit development period, with ties
surrounded by a yellow halo (yellowing increases to specific botanic stages.
with increased infections). • Make applications beginning at white tip stage,
• Leaves may turn completely yellow and may fall repeating at petal fall and green fruit.
off if the petioles are infected. OR
Berry Symptoms • Use a more integrated approach; make

applications based on crop staging as well as
• Lesions on the fruit are watery and greyish.
weather conditions.
• Fruit may become discoloured, disfigured,
• Make first application after the first rain (rain
shriveled or cracked.
triggers sporulation) that occurs one or more
• Fruit stalks may also become infected. days after the flowers open (not fully open, but
rather as the “floral cup” opens).
• Fruit infection greater than 6 per cent can result in
rejection by processors. • By considering the effect of weather (rain/
precipitation and temperature), growers can
potentially reduce the number of applications
Control
required and the associated costs.
Cultural • Further applications may be required if disease
• Ensure adequate air circulation in several ways: pressure is high.
• prune regularly • Rotate to other chemistry.
• control weeds • Consider pre-harvest intervals.
• correctly orient plant rows in the orchard
84
• Rotating chemistry can reduce the likelihood of
the development of disease resistance,
• Do not apply any product during full flowering as
some products may repel pollinators.
Fireblight, Erwinia amylovora

(Burrill) Winslow (Enterobacteriales,
Enterobacteriaceae)
Figure 81. Fireblight in Purdy orchard. Photo: Ken

and Sandy Purdy
Fireblight, named because the affected plant part(s)

appears to have been scorched by fire, is one of
the most destructive diseases of plants in the Rose
family. It is caused by a bacterial pathogen.
Spring weather conditions can influence the
occurrence of fireblight, particularly if high relative
humidity and showers occur throughout May and
June. These conditions promote the development
and spread of the disease. Vigourous plant growth in
spring and high pollinator activity during blossoming
further encourage the spread of the disease.
Temperatures between 18°C and 30°C (64°F - 86°F)
favour the spread and development of the disease. A
range of 24°C to 26°C (75°F - 79°F) is considered to
be ideal for fireblight.
Symptoms often appear suddenly. Initial infection
occurs on flowers (blossom and twig blight) and
then moves to rapidly growing shoots (shoot
blight). Secondary infections are spread by rain,
wind, insects and birds. Foliage and bark injured
by hailstones may become entry ports for fireblight
Figure 80. Both photos show typical fireblight bacteria. The pathogen can also infect fruit (fruit
symptoms: the leaves are yellowed or dead but still blight). In severe cases, rootstock may become
attached to the branches; the tips of the branches infected via root suckers.
have formed the typical shepherd’s crook. Photos:
Clarence Peters and Robert Spencer
85
• Plan to isolate the orchard from native stands of
Symptoms
Saskatoon berries and other susceptible native
• Infected blossoms and surrounding tissue wilt species.
rapidly and quickly turn from green to yellow, to
• Avoid lush, succulent growth by practicing fertility
reddish brown or black.
management.
• Newly infected areas appear water soaked.
• Apply fertilizer in spring to avoid excess new
• Infected shoots and leaves wilt, forming a growth late in the growing season.
characteristic “shepherd’s crook,” and eventually
• Avoid heavy use of nitrogen and fresh
turn reddish brown, appearing scorched.
barnyard manure.
• Leaves remain attached to the branches
• Avoid overapplication of fertilizers at any one
throughout the season on infected shoots.
time – use small, split applications if applying
• Bacterial ooze (viscous, sticky yellowish to amber fertilizers.
fluid) may appear at the edge of infected areas
• Apply pruning recommendations.
under high humidity conditions.
• Avoid pruning practices that promote excessive
• Bacterial ooze may, over time, appear black as
new growth, which appears to be more
it becomes further infected with secondary sooty
susceptible to fireblight in infected orchards.
moulds.
• Remove the infected plants or use controlled
• Infections on larger branches appear as cankers
burning.
– dark, discoloured, purplish, slightly sunken
areas – which form a crack at the junction of the • Remove the infected plants or in severe cases,
canker and healthy tissue. the whole orchard.
• Basal leaves on the inflorescence wilt and water- • Burn native stands of Saskatoon berry plants in
soaked areas form on the fruit. the vicinity of the orchard.
• Fruit turns brownish. • Burn the crowns of infected plants with an intense
straw fire, which controls fireblight in Saskatoon
• Fruit shrivels but remains intact and mummified
berry orchards.
on the tree.
Chemical
Control • No chemical pesticides are registered for the
control of fireblight in Saskatoon berries.
Cultural
• Plant resistant cultivars. Biological
• Consider planting Smoky and Northline, • A number of registered bio-pesticides have been
which in an infected orchard have appeared developed to suppress the fireblight pathogen,
less susceptible than Martin and Thiessen mainly through competition.
(susceptibility of Saskatoon berry cultivars has • Products are typically applied during early bloom
not been scientifically determined). through to petal fall.
• Isolate the plants or orchard. • Apply products according to label directions.
• Avoid planting other susceptible ornamental and • It is important to remember that bio-control
fruit species in the vicinity of the orchard. products may not be compatible with other control
products (e.g. copper-based products).
86
Powdery mildew, Podosphaera • control weeds
clandestina (Wallr) Lév (Erysiphales, • ensure good plant spacing and orchard row
Erysiphaceae) orientation
Chemical
• Registered control products can be applied in
protective applications from early flower bud
stages through to immature fruit stages.
Saskatoon juniper rust,

Gymnosporangium nelsonii Arthur.
(Uredinales, Pucciniaceae)
Saskatoon juniper rust is a fungus caused by
Gymnosporangium nelsonii and other species. It
requires an alternate host to complete its life cycle.
In early spring, brown galls appear on juniper plants.
Following a rain, brownish-yellow jelly-like horns
(telial horns) erupt from the galls and discharge
spores that travel on the wind and infect Saskatoon
Figure 82. Powdery mildew is the white powdery berry plants. Infected areas on Saskatoon berry
substance on the leaves. Photo: Anthony Mintenko plants produce spores that re-infect juniper plants.
Disease development is favoured by wet plant
Powdery mildew is caused by the organism
surfaces with air temperatures ranging from 10 to
Podosphaera clandestina and can infect both
24°C (50 - 75°F).
leaves and fruit. Disease development is favoured
by warm, dry weather with a temperature range of
15 to 27°C (60 - 82°F) and continued high humidity.
The disease spreads rapidly in dense hedgerows
with shaded areas and poor air circulation. This
disease is inhibited by rainfall.
Symptoms
• Powdery white growth appears on lower leaves of
the main plant and sucker leaves.
• Immature leaves appear distorted.
• New shoots appear stunted.
Control
Cultural
• Grow less susceptible cultivars.
• Collect and destroy fallen debris. Figure 83. The yellow spots on the leaves indicate
• Ensure adequate air flow within the orchard and the early stage of juniper rust in Saskatoon berry
around plants: plants. Photo: Clarence Peters
• prune regularly
87
Figure 84. Spiky projections (pycnidia) erupting from Figure 86. A severe rust infection on leaf spurs and
the undersides of Saskatoon berry leaves. Photo: fruit of Saskatoon berry is apparent by swelling and
Robert Spencer deformation of tissues and a copious quantity of rust
spores. Photo: Tricia Simon
Symptoms
Symptoms on Saskatoon Berry Plants
• Raised yellowish spots appear on leaves and
fruit.
• Spots become covered with spiny projections
later in the season.
Symptoms on Juniper Plants

• Brown woody galls appear on branches.
• Galls form yellow, jelly-like horns.
Control
Figure 85. Spiky projections (pycnidia) erupting from
Cultural
Saskatoon berry rendering them unmarketable.
Photo: Robert Spencer • Do not plant Saskatoon berry plants within 2 km
(1.2 mi.) of juniper plants.
Chemical
• Apply registered control products as a protective
spray, with timing of the application varying
depending on the nature of the product active
ingredient and the time to harvest.
88
Harvest
Harvesting
Harvesting fruit can account for 50 per cent of the
labour needed in the orchard each year, so harvest
should be planned well ahead of time. The average
peak harvest time for Saskatoon berries is often
mid to late July, but the season can vary by plus or
minus two weeks.
Good record keeping can help growers estimate
harvest time. By noting several key factors over a
period of years, growers can calculate harvesting
estimations more easily as well as develop a sense
of how ripening progresses in the orchard.
Factors to note:
• time of bloom
• first sign of ripening
• point of peak harvest
• last possible time of harvest for picking
each variety
• ongoing weather conditions
Ripening
With an average ripening time of mid-July,
Saskatoon berries are usually harvested during
the hottest time of year. At warm temperatures,
Figure 87. Maturity class index for Saskatoon berry
ripening accelerates quickly, and berries can easily fruit cultivars: Northline (N), Smoky (S), Pembina
become overripe and more susceptible to invasion (P), and Thiessen (T). Fruit in the nine maturity
by microbes. classes were sorted subjectively on the basis of size
and colour.
Photo: S.Y. Rogiers and N.R. Knowles, Physical and chemical
changes during growth, maturation and ripening of Saskatoon
(Amelanchier alnifolia) fruit. Can. J. Bot. 75:8:1215-1225.
©Canadian Science Publishing or its licensors.
89
In a typical year, growers may have a 10 to
14-day window to harvest the fruit. But there will be
anomalous years also. Some years, growers may
have only a five-day window if it is very hot, or a
three-week window if it is unusually cool. In a hot
year, there is a greater tendency for even ripening
while in a cold year, ripening is spread over a longer
time and is more uneven.
Growers should not judge the time of picking by
when the berries first turn purple. It usually takes a
few more days for the berries to ripen fully. Consider
the taste of the fruit and look at the colour of the
flesh. Green or white interior flesh indicates the fruit
is not ready, but pink or red flesh is optimum. Use Most of these Thiessens are ready for harvest, but
the maturity class index (Figure 87) as a guide also. some are too ripe and others are not ripe enough.
It is important to understand that half the sugar

content of Saskatoon berry fruit is acquired in the
last few days of ripening. Saskatoon berry fruit does
not continue to ripen after harvest; once fruit is
picked, ripening ceases.
Uneven ripening
Regardless of the climatic conditions, uneven
ripening is a feature of Saskatoon berries and
sorting ripe and unripe fruit will always be necessary.
However, some Saskatoon berry cultivars have
a tendency to more even ripening than others. It
has been observed that the natural structure of the
bushes of a variety plays a role in this tendency. A harvested flat of unevenly ripened fruit; the
More upright bushes with narrow angles unripe fruit will have to be picked out on the
sorting line.
(e.g. Thiessen) are more dense and do not allow
light to penetrate into the bush as well as the more Figure 88. Examples of uneven ripening. Photos:
spreading types with wider branch angles Bob Bors
(e.g. Northline).
Any variety can be improved to encourage more
uniform ripening if the plant is properly pruned and
thinned. Proper thinning allows for better sunlight
penetration. At the same time, proper thinning also
leads to better air movement, easier spray coverage
and thus, fewer disease problems. Thinning also
makes plants easier to harvest by both hand picking
and machine harvesting.
90
Table 7. General ripening tendencies in Saskatoon berries
Cultivar Ripening Tendencies
Honeywood fairly even ripening
JB-30 ripen over a period of time; similar to Thiessen
Martin more uniform ripening within fruit clusters
Nelson somewhat uneven ripening
Northline fairly even ripening
Pembina fairly even ripening
Smoky relatively uneven ripening
Thiessen uneven ripening characteristics make it suitable for U-pick orchards
Hand harvesting Keeping track of the information regarding which

rows have been picked and when can be solved
Pre-picking by making signs with row numbers and giving flags
Many operations that pick by hand use ice cream to the pickers to mark the last bush picked. Then,
buckets for gathering fruit. Some pickers free both a new picker can easily see where the last picker
hands for picking by supporting the handle of the finished. If the orchard is on a three-day cycle, using
pail with a string or rope placed around the neck or three different colours of flags may help keep track
by attaching the bucket to their belt. of the “when.”
A more professional alternative (more comfortable
and more expensive) is to use picking bags available Pick-your-own or U-pick
from orchard supply companies. These bags look Pick-your-own or U-pick operations are an option for
similar to newspaper delivery bags, except they go fruit harvest. Perhaps the key components for the
over both shoulders, are waist high and will hold a success of these operations are to have a healthy,
flat of containers. tasty product, a beautiful, weed-free environment
and enough helpful, well-trained and pleasant
When full, the flats are pulled out and sent to the staff to manage the people. It is also important to
cooler, and a new, empty flat is placed in the bag. have good all-weather parking and clean facilities
If the pickers are instructed to place only the best (washrooms and washing stations).
berries in these containers, then the resulting
package is ready to go to the customer. Allowing customers to pick fruit in the orchard
certainly reduces labour costs, but it brings a variety
Because of uneven ripening, it is quite common to of problems that require creative solutions. The
send picking crews out every other day or every following common problems and solutions table was
third day to the same bushes to harvest fruit as it compiled after discussion with dozens of pick-your-
ripens. Often, three pickings are needed. own (PYO) growers.
91
Table 8. Common problems for Pick-your-own or U-pick operations.
Common Problems Possible Solutions
The field was muddy from rain, so no • Have grass cover between rows and keep it mowed for easy
one came. access.
Customers do not pick enough fruit. • Provide a minimum size, such as an ice cream bucket.
• Offer to transport customers to and from the picking areas;
customers can tire from walking to the fields or picking in the
sun and heat.
• Develop a system to take full buckets away for them. Do not
forget to put their name on the bucket.
• Give away free recipe cards for more ideas on how to use the
fruit quickly.
• Provide pre-picked fruit (at a higher price) near the cash
register just in case customers wanted more but were too tired
to continue picking.
The customers (or their children) are • Charge a minimum amount per person who enters the
eating fruit from the bushes and not orchard.
putting much in their buckets. • Provide an entertaining play area for kids.
• Raise your prices.
Customers are breaking branches. • Prune bushes short enough so that fruit is easy to reach.
Picking is sporadic; customers are • Develop a marker system that directs customers to rows that
missing a lot of fruit. have fruit that still needs to be picked.
• Use staff pickers to go through the orchard at the end of the
day and pick missed fruit.
• Get into a habit of explaining to customers before they begin
that the idea is to go slowly and pick all ripe fruit (reprimands
are usually bad public relations); teach customers how to pick
properly.
• Praise customers who do a good job.
Customers do not know when the • Design a road sign to indicate “Open” or “Closed.”
season starts and ends. • Update the operation’s telephone message and website
regularly to give out the harvesting information. The telephone
number should also be on the road sign, in any advertising
and on the website.
• Post the information on the operation’s website or a grower
group’s website.
• Place ads in the local paper.
• Encourage/train customers to call before coming to pick.
• Send out e-notices indicating the progress of ripening and
when the picking season starts and ends.
92
Pick-your-own (PYO) operations can be
springboards for selling other items or starting other
complementary businesses. If customers are driving
a fair distance to get to the orchard, they may enjoy
other activities to make the trip worthwhile.
Restaurants, antique stores, processed products
and petting zoos have all been incorporated into
successful operations. Greenhouse or bedding
plants, mini-golf and corn mazes are also worth
considering.
If a grower does not or cannot offer alternatives
on his or her own operation, perhaps growers can
consider connecting with neighbouring farms and
directing customers to each other. Figure 91. A modest but attractive parking lot at
Willow View Farms near Arden, Manitoba. Besides
selling Saskatoon berries, this operation also sells
strawberries, raspberries, chokecherries, and
vegetables. Photo: Bob Bors
Figure 89. This entrance sign clearly indicates

hourse of operation, crops and other information.
Figure 92. An attractively landscaped area across

from the parking lot where children could play or
customers could relax. Photo: Bob Bors
Having multiple fruit and vegetable crops

throughout the season is another great strategy to
get customers visiting on a regular basis. In such
operations, it is best to let the customer know what
new crop is coming next week.
If starting a PYO, it might be a great idea to put the
earlier crops in the back of the property and the later
Figure 90. U-pick sign and row markers. This ones closer to the entrance; that way, customers will
attractive row marker at the Warman Berry Ranch, see the new crops coming on. Or perhaps have a
near Warman, Saskatchewan, clearly indicates a
few bushes or trees of each crop close to the road
row of Saskatoon berries and will help direct U-pick
for all to see as they drive by.
customers. Photo Bob Bors
93
Mechanical harvesting speed or increasing vibration. Several harvester
As a general rule, mechanized harvesting becomes companies have created educational videos to help
economically feasible if 40 acres of fruit are to be growers learn how to make these adjustments.
harvested. Because of uneven ripening, growers A harvesting machine requires at least three people
who own their own harvesters usually harvest their to operate; many growers prefer five workers or
Saskatoon berry bushes twice with four to six days more. One person drives the tractor. One or two
difference between the early and late harvest dates. workers stand on the harvesting machine placing
However, if using a harvesting service or renting empty trays to catch the harvested fruit and stacking
a harvester, growers may not have the luxury of the trays once they are filled. With additional
having the harvester stand idle for a few days, workers, the filled trays can be unloaded at the
particularly if they are in an area far from other end of each row and taken immediately to the
growers. Therefore, growers may want to have only refrigerated truck or cooling facility.
one harvest date. In this case, the yield per acre
will be a much lower than multiple-harvest yields
because there will be overripe and unripe fruit in the
same batch.
Speed of travel, vibration and vacuum strength
of the harvester mechanisms are variables that
will need monitoring and adjustment throughout
the harvest operation, regardless of the type of
harvester used. Speed can be faster for bushes with
lower yields than bushes with higher yields. Vibration
strength may need to be greater for smaller-sized
fruit and varieties that tend to hold onto their berries.
More vacuum may be needed for large yields. One person drives the tractor, one monitors the
berries as they fill the flats and one receives and
stacks the full flats at Saskatoon Berry Acres,
Manitoba.
Figure 93. Joanna sideways harvester - branches lie

down and tines knock off berries. Harvested fruit travels up the stepped escalator,
Photo: Robert Spencer and the fruit tips into chute and falls into flats.
Image also shows the mechanisms (below gauge)
for adjusting vibration and speed, etc.
At the start of harvest for any field, the operators
need to inspect how well the harvester is performing Figure 94. Harvesting crew. Photos: Bob Bors
and make any necessary adjustments. For example,
if the harvester picks too many red and green
berries, then try reducing the vibration. If ripe fruit
is left on the bushes, then try decreasing the tractor
94
Choosing the right harvester
There are two types of mechanical harvesters:
upright (or over-the-row) and sideways. Do not
underestimate the importance of the differences
between the upright and sideways harvesters.
Over-the-row, self-propelled, Joonas harvester.

Over-the-row, pull-type, BEI harvester.
Photo: Lloyd Hausher
Over-the-row Littau harvester. Photo: Lloyd

Hausher
Sideways, tractor-towed Joanna harvester at
Saskatoon Berry Acres, Manitoba. Photo: Bob Figure 95. Examples of over-the-row and sideways
Bors harvesters.
The type of harvester chosen should influence

which varieties are grown, how the Saskatoon
berry orchard is laid out at planting time and how
the bushes are trained. Table 9 summarizes these
differences.
95
Table 9. Differences between upright and sideways harvesters
Plant Variables Upright Harvester Sideways Harvester
Plant height taller: 2 to 2.5 m (6.6 - 8 ft.) shorter: 1 to 2 m (3.3 - 6.6 ft.)
Plant width up to 46 cm (18 in.) up to 1 m (3 ft.)
Training within row individual plants solid hedge
Branch number fewer more
Branch thickness can be thicker and older must be very flexible, therefore thinner and younger
Harvest efficiency 10 to 15 per cent loss in 5 per cent loss, or less

middle of bushes
Damage to plants less damage more damage
Damage to fruit more damage less damage
Row number per more rows, alternating rows fewer rows, evenly spaced
acre can be closer
Disease pressure less more
Annual pruning more less
Renew orchard less often if ever eventually needed if not pruning annually
Varieties Thiessen Northline, Smoky
96
Upright harvesters Because upright harvesters need only be pulled on
Upright harvesters are better suited for tall plants one side of the row, it is possible to have alternating
with narrow rows (a configuration that also has the rows closer together, but this configuration also
advantage of increasing air movement and reducing assumes that growers need less row space for
disease). If choosing an upright harvester, growers weeding (see Figure 97).
must prune regularly to reduce suckering and ensure
rows remain 46 cm (18 in.) or narrower.
However, since this type of harvester can handle
larger bushes, the main branches can be left
unpruned for several years. Because fruit is dropped
from a greater height, there is a greater possibility of
fruit damage.
The upright harvester does not bend branches as
much as sideways harvesters do, nor does it have
a metal tool to separate the branches, so there is
less damage to the bushes. The fish plate catching Figure 97. Alternating row widths for upright
system is also less efficient than bending the harvesters: arrows indicate wider spaces are needed
branches to the side, and as a result, the upright between rows for harvesting. Alternate rows could
be closer together. Diagram: Bob Bors
cannot catch fruit that falls directly into the centre of
the bushes.
Sideways harvester
Sideways harvesters are better for shorter varieties
of Saskatoon berry plants that have a greater
tendency to sucker. Proponents of this harvesting
system claim it requires less pruning, and many
growers using this harvester do not prune on an
annual basis but instead renew the orchard by
cutting all the bushes to the ground when the plants
grow too large for harvesting.
The thicker density of the bushes creates higher
humidity in the orchard and leaves the possibility
for more disease since there is likely to be less air
movement. However, better coverage with sprays
may alleviate the potential for disease problems.
One grower reduced the thickness of his shelterbelt
to increase air movement in the orchard.
Figure 96. Upright, over-the-row harvester from

front; the fish plates are the sliding plates on the
bottom over opening below tines. Photo: Robert
Spencer
97
Ripening and harvesting
Ripening
• fruit usually ripens in July
• fruit ripens more uniformly under even
moisture conditions
• evenly ripened fruit can usually be
harvested with one or two pickings
• fruit ripens more quickly in hot weather
Mature fruit
• fruit is ready to pick when it is blue or dark
purple but not hard
• quality begins to decline once the fruit is
Figure 98. Sideways Joanna harvester enters fully ripe
row; the harvester is beginning a new row at The • overripe berries have low acidity (pH) as
Saskatoon Farm, Dewinton, Alberta. The plastic well as high sugar (sucrose) content, and
mulch is also visible, but the harvester will not moisture will begin to decline
damage the mulch if it is properly installed. Photo:
• mature fruit may burst if moisture or
Bob Bors
humidity is too high
Sideways harvesters bend branches away from the
• mature fruit may shrivel under hot, dry or
windy conditions
centre of the tree. This harvesting method minimizes
fruit loss because the branches are held only a few
• fruit will remain on the bush until harvested
by humans or birds
inches from the conveyor belts and shaken, which
allows for minimal fruit damage. In recent years, Harvesting
there has been a trend toward sideways harvesters.
• harvest when cool and dry: evening or early
Sideways machines are generally smaller and tend
morning
to be less expensive if purchased new than upright
• when two-thirds of the fruit are fully ripe
harvesters.
and one-third are at reddish purple stage,
harvest for fresh fruit market or some
processing
• if fruit is semi-ripe, it tends to be more
acidic and will have higher levels of
vitamin C and pectin, making it suitable for
some processing or value-added products
Post-harvest
• place harvested fruit in the shade
• pre-cool within 1 to 2 hours
• prolonged chilling may cause flavour to
deteriorate, but delaying cooling may
reduce shelf life
Figure 99. Slight post-harvest damage – these

plants are ready for harvest. Although some bending
and laying down of branches occurred in a previous
harvester pass, the branches can still be harvested.
Photo: Bob Bors
98
Post-harvest
Post-harvest deterioration
The harvesting process generally causes slight
damage to the Saskatoon fruit. This damage then Post-harvest respiration
allows fungi and bacteria to enter, which causes the Fruit undergoes respiration after harvest.
fruit to deteriorate. It is amazing how fast fungi can During respiration, sugar and starch are broken
grow under the right conditions: a small brown patch down to provide ethanol, reducing fruit quality.
on a berry one day can turn the whole berry into a The sooner the fruit is cooled, the faster the
fuzzy white ball within 24 hours. decrease in the rate of respiration and the
longer the post-harvest lifespan
Field heat Pre-cool fruit immediately after harvest to

The post-harvest handling of produce starts even decrease respiration rates by lowering fruit
before the actual harvest; the process begins during temperature to 0°C to minus 5°C (32° - 23°F).
harvest preparations. Growers start the process Pre-cooling units allow air to flow across the
by planning the timing of harvest and by having fruit, which is held in ventilated containers.
strategies in place to quickly remove field heat from After pre-cooling, fruit should be covered in
the fruit once it is picked. plastic to prevent moisture loss.
Field heat represents the temperature of the fruit at Store pre-cooled Saskatoon berries at
harvest and directly relates to the amount of cooling minus 0.6°C to 0°C (31°C - 32°F). Freeze the
needed before a crop reaches storage temperature. fruit if it is not intended for the fresh fruit market.
Removing field heat is the first step in post-harvest
handling. Growth of the fungus Botrytis cinerea is inhibited
at 0°C (32°F). Its presence can also be reduced
Fruit will deteriorate very rapidly once it is harvested, through good cultural practices and handling,
unless the temperature of the produce can be good sanitation and rapid cooling.
reduced quickly. Experience and research have
shown that harvested fruit should be brought down While cool temperatures are critical in ensuring
to a temperature of 0 to 5°C (32 - 41°F) within hours proper storage, this requirement can be reduced
of harvest to maximize the post-harvest life of the somewhat by increasing carbon dioxide (CO2)
produce. levels to displace the oxygen (O2) required for
respiration. Modifying Saskatoon berry storage
environments is impractical and probably
cost prohibitive for most growers. There is the
potential to use modified atmosphere (MA)
technology (such as using MA bags) to change
O2 and CO2 levels in bags, prolonging the post-
harvest lifespan in warmer conditions.
99
Harvest timing to reduce cooling
requirements
Planning the timing of harvest can play a significant
role in reducing the cooling requirement of harvested
fruit and will contribute to prolonging the limited
post-harvest lifespan of the crop. The best strategy
is to pick the fruit during the cooler times of the day
and then cool the fruit as quickly as possible after
picking. Berries that are naturally cool at the time of
picking are firm and less prone to skin tearing and
squashing, making fruit less likely to deteriorate.
For hand picking, the pickers need light, so many
growers try to start at sunrise and pick for a few
hours or until the temperature is high. Harvesting Figure 100. At this Manitoba operation, harvested
then stops and resumes later, after the heat of the fruit goes directly into a reefer (refrigerated truck) to
be kept cool until the fruit can be cleaned and sorted
day has passed, and continues until sunset.
elsewhere. Photo: Bob Bors
More growers are using mechanical pickers and
running them at night, finishing around sunrise. Some fruit-sorting assembly lines are equipped with
Growers on the prairies have the advantage of jets that spray water first and then follow with forced
nights that tend to have much lower temperatures air to dry the berries. Some fruit processors have
than daytime temperatures. complained that the drying process takes too long
or is incomplete and have disabled the washing and
drying cycles on the lines.
Removing field heat
The most common strategy to remove field heat It may be that the manufacturer of these lines did not
quickly is to have workers whose sole job is to take into account the volume of fruit that normally
shuttle freshly picked fruit to a waiting refrigerated passes through them or the designers did not realize
(reefer) truck or walk-in cooler. that most processors put their lines in refrigerated
rooms where evaporation is much slower than at
Setting up a wind tunnel also works well. A pallet of warmer temperatures.
fruit in special trays that allow air to pass through
them is placed in a tunnel with a large fan at
the opposite end that rapidly air cools the fruit. The sorting line
Researchers have found it more effective to pull A sorting line ensures a high quality fruit product.
the air through the tunnel by facing the fan outward Most harvesting machines blow off most of the
at the end rather than trying to push air through by stems, leaves and other debris, but only a sorting
facing the fan into the tunnel. line will be able to sort unripe and overripe berries.
The sorting line will also separate out debris similar
Most prairie growers use the above “air-cooled”
in size and weight to the berries, such as dried
method. In other areas of the world, growers of
berries from the previous year or fat caterpillars,
other, larger crops (notably apples and pears)
both of which have a tendency to stay mixed with
use water baths to cool and clean the fruit. The
the harvested fruit.
harvested fruit is put into large vats of cold water and
is then dried before sorting and storing or freezing. Sorting lines usually have two conveyor belts. The
first belt feeds the harvest through an air blast
Proper sanitation is critical with the water-cooled
cleaner that blows off any remaining dirt and debris.
method because microbes are easily spread in the
At this point, some growers install a size sorter that
water. The water needs to be changed on a regular
automatically removes many of the small unripe
basis and must be an acceptable quality for fruit
or dried berries (it saves time to have this work
processing.
mechanized rather than have workers manually sort
for size).
100
Still others choose not to have a sorting line and
instead sell all the fruit to a processor who does the
sorting. In this situation, processors usually pay for
the amount of good fruit only and not the discards.
Sometimes, this practice has meant that whole
truckloads of fruit have been shipped long distances
only to discover that most of the fruit was worthless.
There is a point where too much poor quality fruit in
a batch makes it not worth sorting. Although there
is no precise figure established for Saskatoon
berries, processors of other types of fruit on the west
coast report that it is not worth sorting a crop with
10 per cent damage. Damage at this level means it
may be best to use the fruit for juice or as feed for
animals.
Figure 101. Workers sort berries on the sorting line.

Photo: Lloyd Hausher
The second belt takes the fruit to the sorting area Post-harvest study
where workers inspect the fruit and remove anything
The use of modified atmosphere (MA) bags
undesirable. Although rare and expensive, an
in low temperature storage is a recognized
electric eye can be used for sorting, further reducing
method for extending the shelf life of fresh
the amount of labour used at this step. In most
horticultural commodities.
cases, the sorted fruit is immediately put into a
freezer. If the berries are to be sold fresh, they are MA bags are made of a plastic that allows the
immediately packaged and refrigerated. creation of a modified environment within the
bag: one that is high in carbon dioxide and low
Ideally, the sorting operation is in a cool room for
in oxygen concentration.
several reasons: to keep fruit fresh before and
during sorting, to extend shelf life and to reduce A three-year study by researchers Zatylny,
fruit rots. While smaller operations may provide St-Pierre and Agblor on four Saskatoon berry
a cool, air-conditioned room, larger operations cultivars – Honeywood, Pembina, Smoky,
usually have a sorting room similar in temperature and Thiessen – was done to determine the
to a refrigerator. In addition to adhering to specific effect on fruit quality and shelf life extension of
requirements for processors and food safety storing fresh Saskatoon berry fruit in MA bags.
regulations, operators must also ensure that workers
The study showed that storage in MA bags
are dressed appropriately for working in cool to cold
efficiently suppressed microbial growth,
conditions.
reduced fruit respiration and allowed fruit to be
The sorting line can be a bottleneck in many stored in MA bags at 0°C to 5°C
operations. Some growers keep the sorting line (32°F - 41°F) for up to two weeks with no
running 16 hours a day. Other growers try to avoid significant deterioration in fruit quality.
this situation by setting up very long lines and
Study results by Agblor and St-Pierre in 2000
employing many people on one line.
also showed that small MA bags were more
effective at suppressing microbial growth and
maintaining fruit quality during storage than
large MA bags.
101
Processing
Primary processing takes the farm product and
puts it into a form that can be stored, transported
and readily used to produce value-added products.
Secondary processing represents further value-
added processing, such as canning, jams, jellies,
pies, syrups, etc.
Fresh product
Once Saskatoon berries are harvested, they must
be cooled or quick frozen. Fresh, undamaged
Saskatoon berries have a limited storage life. There
are no good long-term storage methods for fresh
Saskatoon berries. Figure 102. A Saskatoon farm shipping container
for Saskatoon berries, which also includes other
If Saskatoon berries are to be sold fresh, they need
marketing information. Photo: Bob Bors
to be kept as cool as possible (0 - 5°C or 32 - 41°F),
with high humidity (90 - 95 per cent) and good
Berries can also be individually quick frozen (IQF)
ventilation. Produce should be sold within a few
or flash frozen by setting up an additional step on
days. The berries lose their taste quickly once they
the post-harvest line. The conveyor belt carries
are picked.
the individual berries into a freezer where they are
Theoretically, it should be possible to ship subjected to forced cold air. By the time fruit reaches
Saskatoon berries fresh into distribution networks, the end of the line, each berry is frozen.
but at this time, the industry has not developed to
This method is more expensive than bulk box
that point. At the moment only local markets such as
freezing, but some markets prefer individually frozen
farmers’ markets or U-pick operations can provide
berries that can be poured to whatever quantity is
fresh fruit.
needed for products, where it is important to have
individual berries rather than a mash of fruit.
Freezing
At present, most Saskatoon berries are frozen
and shipped to various markets. The majority of Value-added products
Saskatoon berries are bulk frozen in boxes lined While producing fruit for sale can generate some
with food grade plastics. For some markets, one cash, further processing of the fruit as an ingredient
disadvantage to bulk frozen berries is that the to create other products can greatly add value to
berries usually stick to one another, and customers the crop. Saskatoon berries can be used to make
must thaw and use an entire box of berries all at pies, tarts, jams or as an ingredient in fruit drinks,
once. vinegars, wine, vinaigrettes or chutney. These
products may be sold fresh, frozen or in containers.
102
Recognizing the great need for boosting rural
income and revitalizing rural communities, several
governments have created programs in recent
years to encourage entrepreneurs to produce
value-added products. Growers can contact their
provincial agriculture department or local food
processor association to determine what programs
are in place. There may be grants, loans, advice or
learning centres available.
Food development centres

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta all have
food development centres that can assist anyone
Saskatoon berry bannock. interested in food processing. These centres cover
most areas of food processing – from product
formulation to testing, business, product and
recipe development. The facilities and equipment
are available for processing, and food science
specialists are available for assistance. Centres
may rent equipment and space for manufacturing
products. For more information on available
services, growers can contact the appropriate
provincial centre (see Appendix 1.7.1).
The following training, seminars and assistance may
be offered by individual provincial food development
centres:
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with a
focus on product quality
Saskatoon berry muffins
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
systems, with a focus on producing a safe food
product
• ISO 9000 Systems, with a focus on the process
of quality assurance
• food microbiology
• Processing Food Safely (PFS), a training course
designed to assist small and medium-size food
processors with the safety and quality of food
products
• food product label design
• food packaging
The classic – Saskatoon berry pie.
• plant design, regulations and sanitation
Figure 103. Saskatoon berry baked goods. Photos: • product formulation and testing
Bob Bors
103
On-farm food safety These recommendations are general safety
Because growers are dealing with food and, guidelines for the handling of all food products and
possibly, processed food products, they need to be were developed to be used in conjunction with an
familiar with are a number of concerns, guidelines extensive record-keeping system.
and regulations. Some of these guidelines apply The complete manual of guidelines is available
to fruit growing in general while others are more to those who enroll in an On-farm Food Safety
applicable to processors. Program seminar conducted by a qualified instructor.
Ensuring harvested fruit is free of microbial Although there is a cost for the seminar, growers
contamination requires good agricultural and should take it if they are considering producing
management skills voluntarily practiced by the value-added products. More information about the
producer. The following guidelines contain basic program and manual can be obtained from the
information about food safety contained in the Canadian Horticultural Council (see Appendix 1.8).
publication CanadaGAP On-farm Food Safety
Guidelines for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (compiled
by the Canadian Horticultural Council, Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency and the Canadian Produce
Marketing Association).
• Evaluate the production site for existing
contamination and the potential for future
contamination.
• Design and construct a facility of non-toxic
material with adequate hygiene amenities for
workers.
• Obtain and check documentation from the
chemical and organic fertilizer supplier.
• Become familiar with provincial regulations
pertaining to manure application.
• Mulch with non-contaminated material.
• Use appropriate herbicides, insecticides and
fungicides for the crop.
• Test the quality of production water used for
irrigation and equipment cleaning.
• Use potable water (drinking water) for post-
harvest operations.
• Provide a training program for workers to teach
sanitary working practices.
• Clean, sanitize and inspect all equipment on a
regular basis.
• Develop a pest prevention program.
• Cull damaged produce, and cool harvested fruits
and vegetables properly.
104
Marketing
Markets
Growers have a variety of choices for marketing
their fruit. The approach each grower takes will
depend on the size of the operation and the extent
to which he or she wishes to be involved in the sale
of the produce.
Many growers, however, may choose to try several
markets and, for example, use a wholesaler for
most of their sales and a local restaurant and a
U-pick operation for the balance of the produce.
The amount of labour available to assist in the
more direct marketing approaches (farm gate sales,
farmers’ markets) will also influence these decisions.
U-pick or Pick-your-own
U-pick or pick-your-own (PYO) operations are
Figure 104. U-pick containers provided by The
among the most common ways to sell fruit products Saskatoon Farm, Dewinton, Alberta. Photo: Bob Bors
and can be efficient, relatively inexpensive to run
and popular and familiar with the public. They are
particularly well suited for operations that are located Advantages
near population centres on routes that can be • little or no harvesting required (provided
reached conveniently. customers are thorough)
Requirements • no harvesting equipment, transportation or
• direct access from a major road with good access storage costs
to the operation, preferably within 50 km (30 mi.) • no middleman – immediate cash payment for the
of an urban centre product
• attractive signs placed on busy access roads near Disadvantages
the U-pick site that give clear directions to the site
• advertising costs
• competitive prices and high quality fruit
• consumer complaints
• check-in and check-out stand
• dealing with the public
• personnel to direct customers to the designated
harvesting areas • customers may skip harvesting hard-to-reach
places, damage bushes or eat the fruit in the field
• labour to harvest excess fruit not harvested by
customers
Farmers’ markets
• attractive facilities with adequate parking, Many large urban centres and small communities
restroom facilities, water and a picnic area have established farmers’ markets. These markets
have been well patronized by the public who
appreciate the fresh quality of the produce, the
chance to talk to the producers and the ambiance of
the market as a gathering place.
105
For growers with easy access to a farmers’ market, • attendant seven days a week
costs are relatively low. Growers can contact their
• location important: need to be on busy roadway
provincial government resources to find a list of
or have many offerings
farmers’ markets in their province and the rules and
regulations that relate to marketing through these Advantages
venues.
• grower sets price and quality standards –
Requirements complete control
• freshly harvested quality fruit (quality often • no middleman
sells better than low prices)
• greater returns if selling at retail prices (provided
• competitive prices enough is sold)
• packaging supplies
Disadvantages
Advantages • labour intensive
• low overhead costs • advertising costs
• group advertising • harvesting and handling costs
Disadvantages • regular supply of product required
• transportation and handling costs

Wholesale
• a quantity of fruit must be harvested just before Selling though a wholesaler may be an option (or a
going to the market, instead of harvesting on a necessity) for large operations.
regular basis or when the fruit is at its optimum
Requirements
• another market for fruit harvested between
• require large quantities of fruit packaged in large
market days may need to be found
volumes
• may need additional products to justify the cost
• growers must ensure they have a large amount
of maintaining space
of fruit each year before approaching the
wholesalers
Farm gate sales
Farm gate sales also offer the potential for the • growers must meet a set of quality standards
efficient sale of fruit and allow growers to retain
control of their sales. During the harvest season, Advantages
this method of marketing is demanding in terms of • option for selling large volumes or excess
staffing the roadside booth and the fact that some produce
marketing funds will be needed. But successful farm
gate operations have shown that the returns on Disadvantages
investment are high. • less return for the dollar than farmers’ markets
Requirements and farm gate sales
• freshly harvested, quality fruit (quality often sells • transportation and handling costs
better than low prices) • potentially some storage costs
• well-situated roadside structure – for a smaller
operation, a building about the size of a garden Restaurants and hotels
shed Restaurants and hotels, particularly those that
pride themselves on featuring local food products
• easy access, with room for a roadside structure
or fine dining, are another potential marketplace for
and parking, preferably close to the field
growers. Because of the limited nature of menus
• clean site with no debris in the area and seasonal offerings, this outlet would likely be a
supplement to other marketplaces that growers use.
106
Requirements
• produce must be available when needed on a
An early energy bar
weekly basis; will likely need to deliver produce to
market (not picked up) Pemmican is a high-energy food long used
by the native peoples of North America. Like
• some restaurants and hotels may want frozen
all indigenous foods, it used locally available
produce also
ingredients rendered into what today would be
• quality standards and product requirements will called an energy bar. It was ideal for life on the
vary with each establishment; there is little room trail: it was a compact commodity absorbed
for error slowly by the body and provided much needed
energy over a long period.
• a relationship between the producer and chef will
take time and effort to develop Pemmican was made from dried and pounded
meat and rendered meat fat from bison,
Advantages moose, elk or deer. There is disagreement
• producer sells directly to hotel or restaurant about the extent to which fruit was added.
Certainly, it was sometimes used by the native
• some restaurant and hotel outlets may take peoples, but some argue that Europeans, who
frozen produce for the off season adopted the use of pemmican, introduced the
• typically good prices custom and used fruit as it more suited their
palate. When fruit was added, Saskatoon
Disadvantages berries were commonly used, although other
• produce purchased according to a menu, which available native fruit such as cranberries,
may change seasonally currants, chokecherries or cherries might have
been used.
• fresh amounts purchased may be relatively small
• some outlets may not accept frozen produce
Processors
Supplying the harvested berries to a processor who Advantages
will prepare it for the pre-packaged marketplace • outlet for harvested fruit that cannot be sold
(grocery stores, restaurant suppliers) is another through other outlets
choice for mid to large-size growers or those with
some harvested fruit at the end of the season that Disadvantages
they know will not sell through other outlets.
• shipping costs
Requirements
• potentially some storage costs
• contracts are often required
• potentially lower prices than for fruit at wholesale
• may have to conform to pre-existing standards in level
the industry – quality may vary depending on the
processor
• industry often has preferred varieties
• processors may want the grower to provide
large quantities before they will take the grower
seriously
107
Exporting Health/nutritional benefits
Saskatoon berries are well known in domestic Saskatoon berries, like other dark-skinned berry
(prairie) markets, but tend to be generally unknown crops, are considered a very healthy fruit, with high
or novel outside that market. As a result, domestic levels of antioxidants and other healthy components
sales contribute more to the industry than exports do that make them a valuable addition to any diet.
at present. Numerous studies have found that the Saskatoon
berries measure up as equal to or exceeding the
In the early years of growing Saskatoon berries,
potential health benefit of comparable crops.
many growers limit themselves to selling fresh fruit
to local markets, to a processor or to a neighbouring Producers may use the health and/or nutritional
province. But as production increases, growers may benefits of Saskatoon berries in their promotion and
begin to think about pursuing markets beyond their marketing of the products.
immediate regional locales, or they may start to do
some value-added processing.
Nutrition Facts
Once a grower reaches this level, he or she will
encounter a host of regulations. The type of product Per 100 g Saskatoon berries
being looked at for export will determine the
Energy 84.84 calories
restrictions or regulations that may be in place for
exporting.
Protein 1.33 grams
Becoming an exporter can mean facing a steep
learning curve: learning the regulations, processing
Carbohydrates 18.49 grams
the paperwork and finding the markets. All these
actions must be completed in addition to the work of
raising the fruit crop. Total lipid (fat) 0.49 grams
The federal government and many provincial

Total fibre 5.93 grams
governments may provide some support and
assistance to growers on becoming an exporter.
Vitamin C 3.55 milligrams
Various agency websites are the place to begin to
get familiar with the process. Appendix 1.9 gives
URLs for several websites that address international Iron 0.96 milligrams
export.
Potassium 162.12 milligrams
Vitamin A 35.68 International Units
108
Glossary
abscise – to cut off, remove; shed flowers, leaves or nymph – immature insect
fruit following formation of scar tissue
ovipositor – pointed tubular organ of female insects
anther – end portion of the stamen where the pollen used to deposit her eggs
resides
panicle – branched inflorescence
anthesis – flowering period; opening of a flower
phenotype – physical appearance
axil – angle formed when small stem joins larger
pome – a fruit with seeds protected by a tough
stem
exterior and surrounded by flesh matter, usually the
axillary – formed in the axil, for example a edible part of the fruit; apples are pomes
vegetative bud lying within the axil formed by leaf
recombination – the genetic makeup of a plant
stem and stem of branch
produced by crossing two parent plants
basal – base, formation at the base
sepal – outer floral leaf
blind buds – buds that fail to develop
stamen – male reproductive organ of flower made
bud blast – dessicated buds up of stalk and anther, where the pollen resides
calyx – all the sepals (the outer floral leaf) stigma – female reproductive organ of plant where
pollen grains germinate
conidia – asexual spores of fungi
stool bed – a stump or base of a plant from which
etiolation – plants grown in the dark for set length
many shoots emerge and from which propagative
of time; they lack chlorophyll (little or no green) and
materials (cuttings) are collected; typically made up
have long fragile shoots
of healthy, disease-free and vigourous material
F1 – first generation of a plant after crossing with two
precocity – the state where an organism is of
parents
advanced maturity at an early age
frass – powdery residue left by boring insects; also
clone/clonal – created through asexual
refers to insect larvae excrement
reproduction/vegetative propagation; all organisms
genotype – genetic make up of a plant within a group originate from single parent and are
genetically identical
inflorescence – the flowering part of a plant or
arrangement of flowers on a stalk; that which blooms vegetative propagation – method of increasing
into flowers, more than a single flower plant material from vegetative parts; reproductive
process that is asexual and does not involve genetic
in vitro – process that takes place outside a living
recombination
organism in a test tube or a culture dish; literally, in
glass shives – bundles of fibres
nectary/nectaries – a gland that secretes nectar;
they are usually located at the base of flowers
pollinated by insects
109
References
Davidson, G. Campbell and G. Mazza. 1991. Peters, C.C. 2005. Plants – Seedlings versus clonal
Variability of fruit quality and plant height in plants. Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.
populations of berries (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.). Regina, SK.
Fruit Varieties J. 45(3):162–165.
Peters, C.C. 2005. Planting, training and pruning
Diseases of Saskatoons. 2004 . Alberta [Saskatoons] for commercial production.
Government. Agriculture, Food and Rural Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. Regina, SK.
Development. (Available online at http://www1.
Peters, C.C. 2005. Pruning [Saskatoons] for
agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/
Commercial Production. Saskatchewan Agriculture
opp9194; verified 26 February 2013.)
and Food. Regina, SK.
Fruit bearing shrubs for multi-use shelterbelts
Rogiers, S.Y., and N.R. Knowles. 1997. Physical and
and orchards. 2004. Agriculture and Agri-
chemical changes during growth, maturation, and
Food Canada. (Available online at http://
ripening of Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia) fruit.
www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.
Can. J. Bot. 75:1215–1225.
do?id=1199744665442&lang=eng; verified
26 February 2013.) St-Pierre, R.G., Zatylny, A.M. and Tulloch, H.P.
2005. Evaluation of growth and fruit production
Guide to Fruit Production 2007. Manitoba
characteristics of 15 Saskatoon (Amelanchier
Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. Website:
alnifolia Nutt.) cultivars at maturity. Can. J. Plant
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture
Sci. 85(4): 929–932.
Mintenko, Anthony, 2007. Frost damage and
Steeves, M.W., and T.A. Steeves. 1990.
protection in strawberry and saskatoon orchards.
Inflorescence development in Amelanchier
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives.
alnifolia. Can. J. Bot. 68:1680–1688.
(Available online at http://www.gov.mb.ca/
agriculture/crops/fruit/blz01s02.html; verified Williams, Sara (1994). Commercial Saskatoon Berry
26 February 2013.) Production on the Prairies: A Growers’ Guide. 2nd
rev. ed. University Extension Press, University of
Pennsylvania tree fruit production guide.
Saskatchewan.
2012–2013. Penn State College of Agricultural
Sciences. (Available online at http://extension.psu. Weir, B.J. 1995. Development and application
edu/fruit-production/tfpg; verified of RAPD analysis for intra-and interspecific
26 February 2013.) characterization within the genus Amelanchier.
PhD thesis, University of Saskatchewan,
Peters, C.C. 2000. Orchard site selection.
Saskatoon, SK.
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food. Regina, SK.
110
Appendix
1.1 Industry Resources Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Provincial Specialist, Fruit Crops
Crops Branch
1.1.1 Provincial Grower Association Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Contact Information Room 125, 3085 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4S 0B1
Alberta Tel: 306-787-4666
Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association Fax: 306-787-0428
Box 20, Site 3, RR1 E-mail: forrest.scharf@gov.sk.ca
Okotoks, AB T1S 1A1
Tel: 1-800-661-2642 Saskatchewan Agriculture Knowledge Centre
Website: www.albertafarmfresh.com 45 Thatcher Drive East
Moose Jaw, SK, Canada S6J 1L8
Saskatchewan Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday
Saskatchewan Fruit Growers Association Tel: 1-866-457-2377
Box 1107 Fax: (306) 694-3938
Yorkton, SK S3N 2X3 Toll-free fax: 1-800-775-5358
Tel: 1-877-97-FRUIT (877-973-7848) Out-of-province: (306) 694-3727
Website: www.saskfruit.com E-mail: aginfo@gov.sk.ca
Ask Saskatchewan Agriculture form page
Manitoba www.gov.sk.ca
Prairie Fruit Growers Association
Box 2460 Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Altona, MB R0G 0B0 Provincial Fruit Crops Specialist
Tel: 1-204-324-5058 Crops Knowledge Centre
Fax: 1-204-324-5058 Box 1149
Website: www.pfga.com Carman, MB R0G 0J0
Tel: (204) 745-5675
Fax: (204) 745-5690
1.1.2 Provincial Government Contacts E-mail: Anthony.Mintenko@gov.mb.ca

Alberta Ag-Info Centre 1.1.3 Federal Government Resources
Postal Bag 600
4705-49th Ave Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/index-eng.php
Tel: 310-FARM (3276) (Toll-free AB)
Tel: (403) 742-7901 Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Fax: (403) 742-7527 http://www.inspection.gc.ca
Alberta Agriculture General Contacts

E-mail: duke@gov.ab.ca
Website: www.agriculture.alberta.ca
111
1.1.4 Fruit Research Programs (Prairie) 1.1.6 Shelterbelts
Domestic Fruit Breeding Program Agri-Environment Services Branch

Dr. R. H. (Bob) Bors, Project Leader Agroforestry Development Centre (formerly
Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture PFRA Shelterbelt Centre)
University of Saskatchewan P.O. Box 940
51 Campus Drive Indian Head, SK S0G 2K0
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8 Tel: 1-866-766-2284
Tel: (306) 966-8583 Fax: (306) 695-2568
Fax: (306) 966-5015 Website: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-
E-mail: bob.bors@usask.ca afficher.do?id=1186517615847
Website: http://www.fruit.usask.ca/index.html
Agri-Environment Services Branch Locations
University of Manitoba – Plant Pathology (by region)
Research http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.
Dr. Fouad Daayf do?id=1187362338955&lang=eng
Dept. of Plant Sciences
222, Agriculture Building
University of Manitoba 1.2 Water and Soil Resources
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Tel: (204) 474-6096
Fax: (204) 474-7528 1.2.1 Soil / Water Testing Laboratories
E-mail: daayff@cc.umanitoba.ca
ALS Laboratory Group
Website: http://www.umanitoba.ca/afs/plant_science/
Alberta
Food Development Centre – Processing research 9936-67th Avenue
Alphonsus Utioh, Manager Product & Process Edmonton, AB T6E 0P5
Development Tel: (780) 413-5227
(See Food Development Centres) Toll-Free: 1-800-668-9878
Canada/Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre Bay 2, 1313-44th Avenue NE

Main Site: Calgary, AB T2E 6L5
P.O. Box 309 Tel: (403) 291-9897
Carberry, MB R0K 0H0 Toll-Free: 1-800-668-9878
Tel: (204) 834-6000
9505-111 Street
Fax: (204) 834-3777
Grand Prairie, AB T8V 5W1
Portage la Prairie Site – PFGA fruit research orchard
Tel: (780) 539-5196
Toll-Free: 1-800-668-9878
1.1.5 Irrigation
Bay 1 - 235 MacDonald Crescent
Agri-Environment Services Branch Fort McMurray, AB T9H 4B5
Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Tel: (780) 791-1524
Centre Toll-Free: 1-800-668-9878
901 McKenzie Street, South
P.O. Box 700 Saskatchewan
Outlook, SK S0L 2N0 819-58 Street East
Tel: (306) 867-5400 Saskatoon, SK S7K 6X5
Fax: (306) 857-9656 Tel: (306) 668-8370
E-mail: csidc@agr.gc.ca Toll-Free: 1-800-668-9878
Website: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-
afficher.do?id=1186153747182
112
Manitoba Agvise Laboratories
1329 Niakwa Road East, Unit 12 P.O. Box 510
Winnipeg, MB R2J 3T4 Northwood, ND 58267
Tel: (204) 255-9720 Tel: (701) 587-6010
Toll-Free: 1-800-668-9878 Fax: (701) 587-6013
www.agviselabs.com
Exova P.O. Box 187

Benson, MN 56215
Alberta Tel: (320) 843-4109
7217 Roper Road Fax: (320) 843-2074
Edmonton, AB T6B 3J4
Toll-Free: 1-888-263-9268 A & L Canada Laboratories Inc.
E-mail: sales@exova.com 2136 JetStream Rd.
London, ON N5V 3P5
7407 Twp Rd 485 Tel: (519) 457-2575
Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1S8 Fax: (519) 457-2664
Toll-Free: 1-888-263-9268 E-mail: alcanadalabs@alcanada.com
E-mail: exova@exova.com
Midwest Laboratories Canada
#5 - 2712-37 Avenue N.E. #8, 4001B - 19th Street N.E.
Calgary, AB T1Y 5L3 Calgary, AB T2E 6X8
Toll-Free: 1-888-263-9268 1-877-245-TEST (8378)
E-mail: sales@exova.com Tel: (403) 250-3317
Fax: (403) 250-5249
144 Swanson Dr., E-mail: mwl@midwestlabscanada.
Hinton, AB T7V 1H1
Toll-Free: 1-888-263-9268 Western Ag Labs
E-mail: sales@exova.com #3-411 Downey Road
Saskatoon, SK S7N 4L8
2916-7 Avenue North Tel: (306) 978-0373
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4H1 Fax: (306) 978-4140
Toll-Free: 1-888-263-9268 www.westernaglabs.com
E-mail: sales@exova.com
11301-96 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 5M3
1.2.2 Water Licensing Resources
Toll-Free: 1-888-263-9268
E-mail: sales@exova.com Alberta
Alberta Environment and Sustainable
Saskatchewan Resource Development
508-12 Avenue Environmental Hotline Tel: 1-800-222-6514 (toll-free)
Estevan, SK S4A 1E6 http://environment.alberta.ca/02206.html - Water Act
Toll-Free: 1-888-263-9268
E-mail: sales@exova.com Saskatchewan
Water Security Agency (Head Office)
400-111 Fairford St. E.
Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7X9
Tel: (306) 694-3900
Fax: (306) 694-3105
E-mail: comm@wsask.ca
113
Irrigation Branch (Saskatchewan Ministry of Jeffries Nursery
Agriculture) P.O. Box 402
Room 226, 3085 Albert Street Portage La Prairie, MB R1N 3B7
Regina, SK S4S 0B1 Tel: (204) 857-5288
Tel: (306) 787-7474 Fax: (204) 877-2877
Fax: (306) 787-9623 E-mail : jeffnurs@mts.net
Internet: www.jeffriesnurseries.com
Manitoba
Manitoba Water Stewardship (Water Licensing T&T Seeds
Office) Box 1710
Box 16 - 200 Saulteaux Crescent Winnipeg, MB R3C 3P6
Winnipeg, MB R3J 3W3 Tel: (204) 895-9962
Tel: 1-800-214-6497 (toll-free) Fax: (204) 895-9967
Tel: (204) 945-3983 (Water Licensing Office) E-mail: garden@ttseeds.com
E-mail: mws@gov.mb.ca Website: www.ttseeds.com
Saskatchewan
1.3 Licensed Wholesale Prairie Plant Systems Inc.
Box 19A, RR 5
Propagators 1 Plant Technology Road
All contact information was current at time of
Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J8
publication.
Tel: (306) 975-1207
Fax: (306) 975-0440
Alberta
E-mail: pps@prairieplant.com
PrairieTech Propagation Internet: www.prairieplant.com
5510-55 Ave
Bonnyville, AB T9N 2M9 Select Seedling Nursery
Tel: 1-866-977-8733 or (780) 826-6654 Box 1A RR#3
Fax: (780) 826-4790 Saskatoon, SK S7K 3J6
E-mail: ptpropagation@telus.net Tel: (306) 978-1940; Toll Free: 1-800-806-7577
Website: www.prairietechpropagation.com Fax: (306) 384-1747
E-mail: info@selectseedlingnursery.com
The Saskatoon Farm Website: http://www.selectseedlingnursery.com/
RR 1
DeWinton, AB T0L 0X0 Zosel Tree Farm
Tel: 1-800-463-2113 or (403) 938-6243 Box 179
E-mail: saskfarm@telusplanet.net Pleasantdale, SK S0K 3H0
Website: www.saskatoonfarm.com Tel: (306) 874-5729
Manitoba British Columbia

Glenlea Greenhouses AgriForest Bio-Technologies Ltd
2717 HWY 75 4290 Wallace Hill Road
c/o Box 2 Kelowna, BC V1W 4B6
Glenlea, MB R0G 0S0 Tel: (250) 764-2224
Tel: (204) 882-2626 Fax: (250) 764-2224
Fax: (204) 487-7554 E-mail: info@agriforestbiotech.com
E-mail: info@glenleagreenhouses.com Website: http://www.agriforestbiotech.com
Internet: www.glenleagreenhouses.com
114
Québec Macro Plastics (Corporate)
Végétolab Inc. 2250 Huntington Drive
6502 Ave du Pont Nord Fairfield, CA, USA 94533-9732
Alma, QC G8E 1X7 Tel: 1-800-845-6555 (Toll Free within the United
Tel: (418) 347 1737 States)
Fax: (418) 347 1737 Tel: (707) 437-1200
E-mail: vegetolab@vegetolab.com Fax: (707) 437-1201
Website: www.vegetolab.com/ Website: www.macroplastics.com
1.4 Equipment 1.4.3 Harvesters

All contact information was current at time of
publication. Please note that this does not represent BEI Incorporated
a comprehensive list, nor an endorsement of any 1375 Kalamazoo Street
particular product or company. South Haven, MI, USA 49009
Tel: (269) 637-8541; 1-800-364-7425
Fax: (269) 637-4233
1.4.1 General Horticultural Suppliers E-mail: sales@beiintl.com
(fertilizer, pesticides, mulch, etc.) Website: http://www.beiinternational.com/
Direct Solutions a division of Agrium Advanced Proditel Marketing Corp

Technologies North American distributor for
www.growercentral.com
• Joanna berry harvesters
Tel: 1-800-661-2991
• Victor berry harvesters
Professional Gardener Co Ltd E-mail: info@proditel.com
915-23 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1P1 Website: http://www.proditel.com/the_firm_002.htm
Tel: (403) 263-4200
Littau Harvester
Early’s Farm and Garden Centre 855 Rogue Avenue
2615 Lorne Ave Stayton, OR, USA 97383
Saskatoon, SK S7J 0S5 Tel: (503) 769-5953; 1-866-262-2495
Tel: 1-800-667-1159 (toll-free) or (306) 931-1982 Fax: (503) 769-4562
Fax: (306) 931-7110
Website: http://www.earlysgarden.com/ 6881 East 5th Place
Lynden, WA, USA 98264
1.4.2 Picking / Cooling Trays Tel: (360) 398-9845
E-mail: info@littauharvester.com
Thunderbird Plastics Website: http://www.littauharvester.com/
6969 Shirley Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5J 4R4 Korvan Division (OXBO International Corp.)
Tel: (604) 433-5624 or Toll-free: 1-888-77T-BIRD 270 Birch Bay Lynden Road
(888-778-2473) Lynden, WA, USA 98264
Fax: (604) 433-6231 Tel: (360) 354-1500
E-mail: info@thunderbirdplastics.com Fax: (360) 354-1300
Website: http://www.thunderbirdplastics.com/ Website: www.korvan.com
Intercrate Containers Corp

Suite 105 - 657 Marine Drive
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A4
Tel: (604) 922-4446
Website: www.intercratecontainer.com
115
1.4.4 Other Equipment Suppliers Saskatchewan Organic Directorate
PO Box 32066
Northern Horticulture Equipment RPO Victoria Square
Box 752 Regina, SK S4N 7L2
Calmar, AB, Canada T0C 0V0 Tel: (306) 569–1418
Tel: (780) 987-3217 Website: www.saskorganic.com
Fax: (780) 987-4364
Manitoba Organic Alliance
Willsie Equipment Sales Inc. P.O. Box 310
R.R. # 1 Plumas, MB R0J 1P0
9516 Northville Road Tel: (204) 386-2371
Thedford, ON N0M 2N0
Tel: (800) 561-3025 (toll free Canada or USA)
1.6.2 Organic Production
1.5 Bees Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada

c/o Department of Plant Sciences
Alberta Beekeepers Commission University of Saskatchewan
#102, 11434-168 Street 51 Campus Drive
Edmonton, AB T5M 3T9 Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Tel: (780) 489-6949 Brenda Frick, Prairie Coordinator
Fax: (780) 487-8640 Tel: (306) 966-4975
E-mail: gertie.adair@AlbertaBeekeepers.org Fax: (306) 966-5015
Website: www.albertabeekeepers.org E-mail: brendafrick@usask.ca
Website: www.organicagcentre.ca
Saskatchewan Beekeepers Association (SBA)
Box 55 RR3 Alberta
Yorkton, SK S3N 2X5 http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.
Tel: (306) 783-7046 nsf/all/bdv11369
Fax: (306) 786-6001
Website www.saskbeekeepers.com Saskatchewan
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/crops_organics
Manitoba Beekeepers Association
Website: www.manitobabee.org Manitoba
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/organic
1.6 Organics
1.7 Food Processing
1.6.1 Provincial Associations
1.7.1 Food Processing / Development
Alberta Organics
Centres
9949-79 Ave
Edmonton, AB T6E 1R3
Alberta
Tel: (780) 271-1116
Website: www.organicalberta.org Food Processing Development Centre
6309-45 Street
Leduc, AB T9E 7C5
Tel: (780) 986-4793
Fax: (780) 986-5138
116
Saskatchewan 1.8 Food Safety
Food Centre
117-105 North Road
Canadian Horticultural Council
Tel: (306) 933-7555
On-farm Food Safety Guidelines for Fresh Fruit
Fax: (306) 933-7208
and Vegetables
E-mail: info@foodcentre.sk.ca
9 Corvus Court
Website: www.foodcentre.sk.ca
Ottawa, ON K2E 7Z4
Tel: (613) 226-4187
Manitoba
Fax: (613) 226-2984
Food Development Centre Website: www.hortcouncil.ca/chcmain.htm
Box 1240
810 Philips Street
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3J9
Tel: 1-800-870-1044 (Toll-free)
1.9 Marketing Information
Tel: (204) 239-3150
Fax: (204) 239-3180 1.9.1 Some Exporting Resources
Website: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/fdc
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
TCS Enquiries Service (BCI)
1.7.2 Food Processor Associations 125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa ON K1A 0G2
Alberta Food Processors Association
Tel: 1-888-306-9991
Suite 100W 4760-72 Ave SE
Fax: (613) 996-9709
Calgary, AB T2C 3Z2
E-mail: enqserv@international.gc.ca
Tel: (403) 201-3657
Website: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/
Fax: (403) 201-2513
EmbassyCountryListing.jsp?rid=12
E-mail: info@afpa.com
Website: www.afpa.com
Agri-Food Trade Service
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Saskatchewan Food Processors Association
Public Information Request Services
Suite 107 - 105 North Road
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Sir John Carling Building
Tel: 1-866-374-7372 (Toll-free)
930 Carling Ave
Tel: (306) 683-2410
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C7
Fax: (306) 683-2420
Tel: (613) 759-1000
E-Mail: info@SaskMade.ca
Fax: (613) 759-7977
Website: www.saskmade.ca/
E-mail: info@agr.gc.ca
Website: http://www.ats.agr.gc.ca/info/europe-e.htm
Manitoba Food Processors Association
Unit 12 - 59 Scurfield Blvd.
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
Winnipeg, MB T3Y 1V2
(STEP)
Tel: (204) 982-MFPA (6372)
Regina Office
Fax: (204) 632-5143
P.O. Box 1787
E-mail: mfpa@mfpa.mb.ca
320-1801 Hamilton St.
Website: www.mfpa.mb.ca
Regina, SK S4P 3C6
Tel: (306) 787-9210
Fax: (306) 787-6666
E-mail: Go to Contact Us on website
Website: www.sasktrade.sk.ca
117
Saskatoon Office 1.10.3 Other Production-related guides
500-402 21st Street E.
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0C3 Growing Saskatoons – A Manual for Orchardists
Tel: (306) 933-6551 (Out of print – available on-line)
Fax: (306) 933-6556
E-mail: Go to Contact Us on website Out-of-print comprehensive Saskatoon berry
Website: www.sasktrade.sk.ca production manual – Dr. Richard St-Pierre
www.prairie-elements.ca/saskatoons.html
1.9.2 Foreign Labour
Manitoba Fruit-related Guides
Hiring Agricultural Foreign Workers in Canada
http://www.rhdcc-hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/
Manitoba Fruit Crop Guide 2010 (updated
foreign_workers/temp_workers.shtml
periodically)
Manitoba Fruit Crop Protection Guide (updated

1.10. Print and Web Resources biannually)
1.10.1 Saskatoon Berry Cost of Manitoba Fruit Crop Insect Guide

http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/
Production Resources
cropproduction/gaa01d15.html
Costs and Returns for a Saskatoon Berry
MAFRI Crops Knowledge Centre
Orchard
Box 1149
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.
Carman, MB R0G 0J0
aspx?DN=6b8ffe92-0a86-45b1-95d9-302c42c726f0
Tel: (204) 745-5660
Economics of Saskatoon Berry Production – A
Ten-acre Enterprise
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.
nsf/all/econ7053
Guidelines for Estimating Saskatoon Berry

Production Costs
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/financial/farm/pdf/
copsaskatoonscosts2008.pdf
Template Business Plan for Manitoba Saskatoon

Berry Producers
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/fruit/pdf/
bld01s06.pdf
1.10.2 Business Planning Resources
Business Planning
Developing a business plan, funding programs for
small businesses, irrigation opportunities, and farm
diversification.
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Business-Planning
118
1.11 Saskatoon Berry Bud/Bloom somewhat generic, but can be used as a guide for
effective chemical control application.
Staging/Pests/Pesticides
The following is a general outline of the different
Every year, Saskatoon berry producers are faced stages of leaf and flower bud development, from bud
with the challenge of preventing and managing pests break through to fruiting, with associated pests and
in their orchards. These pests (whether disease or registered chemicals.
insect pest) occur naturally in wild stands and, at
this point, are essentially present in most orchards It should be noted that the rate of development
on the Prairies. Many of these pests can be tough through these stages can vary, depending on
to recognize or locate in an orchard, as they seasonal weather conditions and regional climatic
lurk in hard to reach areas. Management can be influences, and as such, pictures and information
challenging, as the most sensitive or most effectively should only be used as a general guide. While
controlled stages are only active for short times. specific products may be applied at a number of
Most controls are protective or preventative, rather different stages, pesticide labels should be carefully
than curative. consulted for appropriate application rates and
the number of applications allowed per season.
Most chemical controls are recommended to be Application costs should also be considered as well
applied at specific botanical stages of the Saskatoon as whether the control product is actually required.
berry, which coincide with specific points within
pest life cycles or are timed to provide a window of In the following table:
protection for sensitive plant parts. These stages are • PHI = pre-harvest interval
• REI = re-entry interval
119
Saskatoon Berry Bud/Bloom Staging/Pests/Pesticides
Pests Chemicals
controlled registered Other comments
Dormant Bud Stage
Saskatoon Bud Moth Bartlett Superior 70 Oil Apply before or after bud break
(egg stage), leaf rollers (Dormant Oil) (this stage or silver tip stage)
• general cleanup • max 1x application/year
spray
Entomosporium Leaf Kumulus DF (80% Apply at bud break & at 10 - 14 day
& Berry Spot sulphur) intervals
May be necessary if moderate to
Microthiol Disperss
severe infection in previous year
(80% sulphur)
• may be applied at bud break and
at 10 - 14 day intervals (1 day PHI)
• do not apply within 30 days of
mineral oil application
• max 8x applications/year
Bacterial Blight Serenade MAX Apply before fall rains & again
(Pseudomonas (Biofungicide - Bacillus during dormancy
syringae) - subtilis)
suppression Serenade ASO
(Biofungicide - Bacillus
subtilis)
Pests Chemicals
Silver Tip Bud Stage
Saskatoon Bud Moth Bartlett Superior 70 Oil Spray before bud break (apply at
(egg stage), leaf rollers (Dormant Oil) dormant or silver tip stage)
• Check bud axils for eggs
• Max 1x application/year
Entomosporium Leaf & Kumulus DF (80% May be necessary if moderate to

Berry Spot sulphur) severe infection in previous year
• May be applied at bud break and at
Microthiol Disperss
10 - 14 day intervals (1 day PHI)
(80% sulphur)
• Do not apply within 30 days of
• Max 8x applications/year
NOTE – Listed pesticides are registered for application at the various times indicated; however, producers should consider all relevant factors when
making application decisions. Not all applications will be required each season.
120
Pests Chemicals
Green Tip Bud Stage
Saskatoon Bud Moth Decis 5.0EC 1st Decis application

(SBM laying eggs; (deltamethrin 50g/L) • may be effective as late as
hatching larvae) tight cluster stage
• 21 day PHI
Tarnished Plant Bug
(wintering TPB adults
feeding on fruit buds)
Other Plant Bugs
Saskatoon Bud Moth Matador 120EC / 1st of 2 possible applications

Warrior (lambda- • max 2 applications
cyhalothrin 120g/L / • 21 day PHI
122g/L) • 10 - 15 days between applications

Microthiol Disperss
at 10 - 14 day intervals (1 day
(80% sulphur)
PHI)
Mummyberry Quash / Metconazole 12 day PHI

50WDG (metconazole Max 1x application
50%) Apply at green tip
121
Pests Chemicals
Full Green Stage
Saskatoon Bud Moth Decis 5.0EC Green tip stage is the preferred
(deltamethrin 50g/L) stage for application
• Delayed timing for • 21 day PHI
SBM control (see
Green Tip Stage)
Entomosporium Leaf Kumulus DF May be necessary if moderate to

& Berry Spot (80% sulphur) severe infection in previous year
• may be applied at bud break
Microthiol Disperss
and at 10 - 14 day intervals
(80% sulphur)
(1 day PHI)
Pests Chemicals
Tight Cluster Stage
Saskatoon Bud Moth Decis 5.0EC Green tip stage is the preferred
(deltamethrin 50g/L) stage for application
• Delayed timing for • 21 day PHI
SBM control (see
Green Tip Stage)
Entomosporium Leaf Kumulus DF (80% May be necessary if moderate to

& Berry Spot sulphur) severe infection in previous year
• May be applied at bud break and
Microthiol Disperss
at10 - 14 day intervals (1 day PHI)
(80% sulphur)
• Do not apply within 30 days of
• Max 8x applications/year
122
Pests Chemicals
White Tip Stage
Entomosporium Leaf & Kumulus DF May be necessary if moderate to

Berry Spot (80% sulphur) severe infection in previous year
Microthiol Disperss
(80% sulphur)
PHI)
Entomosporium Switch 62.5WG Apply during early bloom – can be

Leaf & Berry Spot – (cyprodinil 37.5% / applied when petals start to show
suppression fludioxinil 25.0%) or earlier (if disease is present)
Entomosporium Leaf & Jade / Topas / Mission Persistent cool, wet weather
Berry Spot 418 EC (propiconizole • 1st of max 3 applications
250, 250 or 418g/L) • apply to point of runoff
• 38 day PHI
Saskatoon Berry / Funginex DC (triforine Spray to point of drip

Juniper Rust 190g/L) • 60 day PHI
Coincidental control of Pristine WG (boscalid Apply prior to disease development

Brown rot 25.2% / pyraclostrobin • 7 - 14 day interval
12.8%) • max 4x applications/year
(2 recommended)
• 29 day REI / 0 day PHI
Oblique-banded Success 480SC / Apply at time of egg hatch or to

leafroller; spanworm; Entrust 80W Naturalyte small larvae
winter moth (spinosad 480g/L / • 7 - 10 day intervals
80%) • max 3x applications/year
• 3 day PHI
• apply higher rate for larger larvae
• larvae may become more
exposed as
buds flush
123
Pests Chemicals
Balloon or Tube Stage
Saskatoon Bud Moth Decis 5.0EC 2nd of 3 allowed applications

(deltamethrin 50g/L) • apply to both sides of orchard
Tarnished Plant Bug
• Toxic to most rows
Other Plant Bugs pollinators • apply prior to 25% bloom
Saskatoon Sawfly • 21 day PHI
Hawthorn Weevil
Apple Curculio
Fireblight – Bloomtime Make 1st of maximum 2

suppression Biological FD applications at 15 - 20% bloom
Biopesticide (Pantoea • 0 day PHI
agglomerans)

Microthiol Disperss
(80% sulphur)
PHI)
Entomosporium Switch 62.5WG Apply during early bloom – repeat

Leaf & Berry Spot – (cyprodinil 37.5%/ after 7 - 10 days
suppression fludioxinil 25.0%) • max 3x applications
• 10 day REI
Entomosporium Leaf & Jade / Topas / Mission May be applied as a late 1st
Berry Spot 418EC (propiconizole application if weather conditions
250, 250 or 418g/L) are favourable for disease
Saskatoon Berry/
development
Juniper Rust
Pristine WG (boscalid Apply prior to disease development
25.2%/pyraclostrobin • 7 - 14 day intervals
12.8%) • max 4x applications/year
(2 recommended)
• 29 day REI/0 day PHI
Powdery Mildew Nova 40W Spray until drip

(myclobutanil 40%) • 1st of max 3 applications/year
• 14 day PHI
124
Pests Chemicals
Early Flowering Stage
Saskatoon Bud Moth Decis 5.0EC 2nd of max 3 allowed applications

(deltamethrin 50g/L) • Apply prior to 25% bloom
Tarnished Plant Bug
• Toxic to most • Apply to both sides of orchard
Other Plant Bugs pollinators rows
Saskatoon Sawfly • 21 day PHI
Hawthorn Weevil
Apple Curculio
Fireblight - Bloomtime Make 1st of maximum 2

suppression Biological FD applications at 15 - 20% bloom
Biopesticide (Pantoea
agglomerans)
Pests Chemicals
Full Flower Stage
Insect pollination is No pesticides or • insecticides are toxic to pollinators

considered beneficial fungicides should be • some fungicides (e.g. sulphur)
for fruit set - pesticide applied during full can have a repellent effect
application during bloom
flowering can
significantly injure
pollinators
125
Pests Chemicals
Petal Fall Stage
Fireblight Bloomtime Make 2nd of max 2 applications at

(suppression) Biological FD full bloom to petal fall
Biopesticide (Pantoea • 0 day PHI
agglomerans)
Entomosporium Switch 62.5WG • apply 7 - 10 day intervals

Leaf & Berry Spot - (cyprodinil 37.5% / • max 3x applications
suppression fludioxinil 25.0%) • 10 day REI

Microthiol Disperss
(80% sulphur)
PHI)
Entomosporium Leaf Jade / Topas / Mission Persistent cool, wet weather

& Berry Spot 418EC • 2nd of max 3 applications
(propiconizole 250, • apply to point of runoff
Saskatoon Berry /
250 or 418g/L) • 38 day PHI
Juniper Rust
Some coincidental Pristine WG (boscalid Apply prior to disease development
control of Brown rot 25.2% / pyraclostrobin • 7 - 14 day intervals
may be expected 12.8%) • max 4x applications/year
(2 recommended)
126
Pests Chemicals
Early Green Fruit Stage
Hawthorn Weevil Decis 5.0EC 3rd of max 3 allowed applications

(deltamethrin 50g/L) • apply 5 - 10 days after petal fall
Apple Curculio
• apply to both sides of orchard
• adult weevils and
rows
ovipositing curculio
• 21 day PHI
Saskatoon Bud Moth Matador 120EC / 2nd possible application (after petal
Warrior (lambda- fall)
cyhalothrin 120g/l / • max 2 applications
122g/L) • 21 day PHI
• 10 - 15 days between applications

(myclobutanil 40%) • 2nd of max 3 applications/year
• 14 day PHI

Microthiol Disperss
(80% sulphur)
PHI)
Entomosporium Leaf Jade/Topas/Mission Persistent cool, wet weather

& Berry Spot 418EC (propiconizole • 3rd of max 3 applications
250, 250 or 418g/L) • apply to point of runoff
Saskatoon Berry/
• 38 day PHI
Juniper Rust
Some coincidental Pristine WG (boscalid Apply prior to disease development
control of Brown rot 25.2% / pyraclostrobin • 7 - 14 day intervals
may be expected 12.8%) • max 4x applications/year
(2 recommended)
127
Pests Chemicals
Late Green Fruit Stage

(myclobutanil 40%) • 3rd of max 3 applications/year
• 14 day PHI

Microthiol Disperss
(80% sulphur)
PHI)
Entomosporium Leaf & Pristine WG (boscalid • may be applied at this stage

Berry Spot 25.2% / pyraclostrobin rather than early green fruit
12.8%) stage - disease pressure related
Saskatoon Berry/
Juniper Rust
Coincidental control
of Brown rot may be
expected
128
Pests Chemicals
Red Fruit Stage

Microthiol Disperss
(80% sulphur)
PHI)
• not recommended at late stages
due to strong sulphur odours
Pests Chemicals
Mature Fruit Stage (approx. mid July) *

Microthiol Disperss
(80% sulphur)
PHI)
• not recommended at late stages
due to strong sulphur odours
Woolly Elm Aphid - Admire 240F Apply as a soil drench when

suppression (imidacloprid 240g/L) 75 - 100% of aphid migration is
(systemic insecticide) completed (typically early to
Woolly Apple Aphid -
mid-July)
suppression Alias 240SC
• 14 day PHI
(imidacloprid 240g/L)
(systemic insecticide)
* Depending on season and location
129
Pests Chemicals
Post-Harvest Stage (Late July – Early August) *
Woolly Elm Aphid Orthene 75% SP Inject with a probe 15cm (6 inch)
(acephate) from plant at 4 locations around
Woolly Apple Aphid
each plant
(systemic insecticide)
• apply 1x per season (mid-July
to early August)
• 11 month PHI
* Depending on season and location
130
1.12 Herbicides currently registered for fruit crops in western Canada
Active Ingredient Trade Name* Pre-Harvest Interval Vegetation Control**
Dichlobenil Casoron G4 / G2 Apply in fall but not before • Broadleaf & grasses: annual
Stryke 4G freeze-up. bluegrass, chickweed,
crabgrass, foxtail, groundsel,
Do not apply within
knotweed, kochia, lamb’s
9 months of harvest.
quarters, mustard, plantain,
Soil temperatures should be purslane, pigweed, shepherd’s
less than 10°C purse, smartweed, spurge, wild
buckwheat
Some moisture is
• Perennial weeds: artemesia,
necessary to incorporate
bindweed, blue aster,
and stabilize product in the
dandelion, horsetail,
soil
loosestrife, nutsedge,
quackgrass, sheep sorrel,
Canada thistle, sow thistle,
vetch
Glyphosate Factor Apply pre-planting or to • Non-selective: refer to product

Renegade non-crop areas label for a complete list of
Roundup Dry specific vegetation controlled
Roundup Original
Roundup Transorb
Touchdown 480,
600, XP
Vantage
Vantage Plus
Linuron Linuron 480 / 400L Spring (Pre-budbreak - 50 • Broadleaf: chickweed, corn

Lorox DF / L day PHI) or Fall (dormant spurry, goosefoot, groundsel,
plants) for established knotweed, lamb’s quarters,
orchards - 1 year purslane, ragweed, redroot
pigweed, shepherd’s purse,
smartweed, stinkweed,
wild buckwheat, wormseed
mustard; seedlings of
dandelion, plantain, sow thistle
• Grasses: suppression of
barnyard grass and green
foxtail
*Trade names change from time to time. If the product is not available choose a registered product with the appropriate active ingredient for your
weed problem. Consult product labels for complete application information.
** Consult product label for complete list of weed species that may be controlled by each product
Adapted and updated (2008) from Herbicides Registered for Fruit Crops (Peters, 2003).
131
1.12 Herbicides currently registered for fruit crops in western Canada
Active Ingredient Trade Name* Pre-Harvest Interval Vegetation Control**
Metribuzin Sencor 480F For use in Saskatoon berry • Broadleaf: chickweed,

Sencor 500F shelterbelts cocklebur, dandelion seedling,
Sencor 75DF lady’s thumb, lamb’s quarters,
Pre-plant incorporated and
Sprayule prostrate and redroot pigweed,
pre-emergent
Sencor Solupak ragweed, Russian thistle,
75DF shepherd’s purse, stinkweed,
Tricor 75DF wild buckwheat, wild mustard
• Suppresses: corn spurry, hemp
nettle
• Grasses: barnyard grass,
green and yellow foxtail, down
brome grass (cheatgrass)
Paraquat Gramoxone N/A • Non-selective: Controls most

annual and perennial weeds
germinating from seed;
controls suckers
Sethoxydim Poast Ultra For use in Nurseries - • Annual grasses: barnyard

non-bearing grass, green and yellow foxtail,
Persian darnel, volunteer
For use in bearing
cereals, wild millet, wild oats
orchards - 15 day PHI
• Suppresses / Controls
(depending on rate):
witchgrass, quack grass, foxtail
barley
Trifluralin Bonanza 400 / Pre-plant incorporated • Broadleaf & grasses: annual

480L brome species, barnyard
grass, chickweed, cow cockle,
Treflan EC
green foxtail, knotweed,
lamb’s quarters, Persian
darnel, pigweed, purslane, wild
buckwheat, wild oats, yellow
foxtail
*Trade names change from time to time. If the product is not available choose a registered product with the appropriate active ingredient for your
weed problem. Consult product labels for complete application information.
** Consult product label for complete list of weed species that may be controlled by each product
Adapted and updated (2008) from Herbicides Registered for Fruit Crops (Peters, 2003).
132
1.13 Plastic Mulch for Berry
Orchards
Reprinted with permission from PFRA Shelterbelt
Centre, Indian Head, SK.
133
134
135
136
AGDEX 238/20-2
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Robert Spencer Linda Matthews Bob Bors Clarence Peters

Editor: Chris Kaulbars

Copies of this publication may be purchased from:

See the website: www.agriculture.alberta.ca/publications for information about other publications,

Stool bed preparation............................. 9 Orchard Establishment................25

Mist bed structure................................. 11 Site selection........................................25

Calculating number of plants................ 30

Pruning basics for fruit production ....... 43 Pests and Diseases.....................63

Ripening...............................................89 Health/nutritional benefits................... 108

Mechanical harvesting.......................... 94 Appendix................................... 111

Harvest timing to reduce cooling

Removing field heat............................ 100

The sorting line...................................100

Bud Stage Bud Stage

1. Dormant bud 4. Full green

2. Silver tip 5. Tight cluster

3. Green tip 6. Pink or white tip

Bud Stage Bud Stage

7. Balloon 9. Petal fall

Photos: Robert Spencer

Flowers and fruit Figure 2. Reduced panicle: buds or flowers open

Second bud break

Figure 3. A slight whitish bloom can be seen on this Leaf shape

Figure 4. Stool bed process. Photos: Rick Sawatzky.

Mist bed structure • a thermostat to control the temperature of the

Diagram from Dwarf Sour Cherries: A Guide for Commercial

Figure 5. Mist bed.

Table 2. Misting schedule

Weeks Misting Amounts

1-4 Mist cuttings for 20 seconds

After week 8 Reduce the mist frequency

After well rooted Remove polyethylene cover

Clonal plants and precocity

Fruit • deep blue with dark purple skin when ripe

Bush • height: 5 m (16 ft.)

Uses • fresh eating, processing

Other features • blooms later than other cultivars thereby

Photo: Bob Bors

Fruit • deep blue when ripe

Bush • height: 5 m (16 ft.)

Uses • fresh eating, processing

Other features • compact bush, large fruit

Photo: Jarvis Blushke

Fruit • deep blue skin when ripe

Bush • height: 3 m (10 ft.)

Uses • fresh eating, processing

Other features • more uniform ripening

Photo: Bob Bors

Fruit • deep blue skin when ripe

Bush • height: 4.5 m (15 ft.)

Uses • fresh eating, processing

Other features • some resistance to juniper rust

Photo: Bob Bors

Fruit • deep blue skin when ripe

Bush • height: 4 m (13 ft.)

Uses • fresh eating, processing

Other features • suitable to both hand and mechanical harvesting