Raspberries are woody plants belonging to the genus Rubus in the Rosaceae family. They are primarily thorny shrubs, and their fruit is an aggregate of many small berries that offer a delightful combination of sweetness and sourness.
Raspberry oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, has been found to promote the secretion of hormones by the prostate gland.
Raspberries possess a unique flavor and a pleasant aroma, making them a popular fruit for consumption. However, their scientific applications extend beyond culinary enjoyment, as they have been used to treat various ailments.
For instance, raspberries have been traditionally employed to address conditions such as premature ejaculation, liver and kidney deficiencies, and physical fatigue.
Furthermore, raspberries contain flavonoids that can enhance blood circulation in the skin, improve the elasticity of skin capillaries, and promote the regeneration of skin cells, thus providing cosmetic benefits.
Growing raspberries successfully requires proper management techniques. Here are some recommendations for raspberry cultivation:
Soil: Raspberries thrive in well-drained and fertile soil. Prior to planting, it is advisable to enrich the soil with organic fertilizer and phosphate-based fertilizers.
Watering: Raspberries have high water requirements, particularly during the fruit ripening period. However, it is essential to avoid over-watering, as it can lead to root rot.
Pruning: Regular pruning is crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of raspberry plants. In spring, it is recommended to remove aging and diseased branches to stimulate new growth. After harvesting the fruits, the fruiting branches can be pruned to encourage next year's growth.
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Pest and Disease Control: Raspberries are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including insects, worms, and powdery mildew. Organic or chemical pesticides can be used to control these issues.
Support Structures: Raspberries require support structures to prevent plant collapse and fruit damage. Wooden poles or metal brackets can be utilized, and the plants should be securely tied to them.
Harvesting: Raspberries should be hand-picked when they are fully ripe. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the fruit, as this can affect its quality and shelf life. After harvesting, the fruit can be stored in a cool and well-ventilated area to prolong its shelf life.
Raspberry plants have shallow-rooted systems with inconspicuous main roots. They possess well-developed lateral roots, fibrous roots, and rhizomes that spread horizontally. The branches of raspberry plants are biennial, meaning they live for two years and die after fruit production.
In temperatures below 5°C, the plants typically enter a dormant state. In early spring, usually around mid to late February, the buds in the leaf axils of the second and third-level branches begin to sprout, and young leaves develop in late spring.
By mid-March, the first round of flowering occurs, involving heterogeneous pollination. During the latter half of the flowering period, underground rootstocks sprout new branches.
Towards the end of the flowering period, usually in late March to early April, the leaves are fully developed. In late April, the young fruits, typically found on the topmost three or four levels of branches, reach a diameter of up to 1 cm, and the fruit set rate is approximately 80%.
As May progresses, the fruit transitions from green to yellow and eventually matures into an orange-red hue, reaching its peak during the mid-fruiting season. Meanwhile, the fruiting branches gradually wither.
By October, the primary leaves begin to wither, lateral branches produce three levels of branching, and by late November, winter buds form, including flower bud differentiation.
