Research Foundation Funded Projects

Since 1998, The North American Bramble Growers Research Foundations has reviewed grant proposals and each year since has awarded grants to fund bramble research that aligns with set priorities. As of 2024, the Foundation has granted a total of $347,879 to 121 projects at universities in the U.S. and Canada and USDA research centers.

2024 Grants

Seven proposals were submitted. Three were approved for funding, for a total of $15,000.

  • Timing is Everything: Insights into the Onset and Progression of Blackberry Red Drupelet Reversion – Karin Albornoz,  Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Coastal Research and Education Center, Clemson University – $5,000
  • Genomic and Phenomic Technologies for Evaluating and Identifying Root Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) Resistance in Red Raspberry, Savannah Phipps, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service, Horticultural Crops Production and Genetic Improvement Research Unit – $5,000
  • Assessing the Postharvest Quality and Sensory Attributes of Four Blackberry Cultivars Grown in South Georgia, Zilfina Rubio Ames, Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia – Tifton – $5,000

2023 Grants

Four proposals were submitted. All four were approved for funding, for a total of $20,000.

  • Evaluation of RNA -based biopesticide against Botrytis cinerea, the causative agent of Gray Mold of brambles – Charith Raj Adkar-Purushothama, Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke – $5,000 – REPORT
  • Genomic and phenomic technologies for evaluating and identifying root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) resistance in red raspberry, Savannah Phipps, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service – $5,000 – REPORT
  • Determine and optimize the fertility inputs and substrate moisture management of long-cane raspberries grown in coconut coir and pine bark substrates, Dr. Gina Fernandez, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University – $5,000 – REPORT
  • Adoption of a standardized virus diagnostic protocol for blackberry and raspberry in Mexico and later validation through a field survey, Alfredo Diaz-Lara, Techologico de Monterrey – $5,000 – REPORT

2022 Grants

Five proposals were submitted. All five were approved for funding, for a total of $21,005. 

  • Assessing the Effect of Different Nitrogen Fertilization Rates on the Postharvest Quality of ‘Ouachita’ grown in South Georgia – Ames, University of Georgia $5,000 – REPORT
  • Evaluating Florian-fruiting Blackberry Response to Bed Renovation and Fertilizer Application Timing – Becker, University of Kentucky $4,000 – REPORT
  • Assessment of Blackberry Injury in Response to a Selection of Preemergent Herbicides – Bertucci, University of Arkansas – $2,005 – REPORT
  • Investigating the Effects of Novel Postharvest Treatments on the Shelf-life of Georgia-grown Blackberries – Deltsidis, University of Georgia – $5,000 – REPORT
  • Long Cane Production of Raspberries – Fernandez and Jackson, NC State University – $5,000 – REPORT

2021 Grants

Three proposals were submitted. All three were approved for funding, for a total of $14,786.

  • Enhancing Blackberry Canopy Light Distribution with Reflective Groundcovers – Kon et al, NC State University, $5,000 – REPORT
  • Extend and Maximize Post-harvest Quality of Raspberry: Creating Controlled Atmosphere Storage in a Bag, Gianfagna, Rutgers University, $4,986.
  • Evaluating Impact of Harvest Date on Flavor and Volatile Attributes of Fresh-market Blackberries, Threlfall et al, University of Arkansas, $4,800 – REPORT

In addition, the Foundation approved $3,000 for a program to provide travel scholarships for graduate students to attend 2022 NARBA Conference and participate in poster presentations.

2020 Grants

Three proposals were submitted for a total request of $13,974. Two were approved for funding:

  • Evaluation of blackberry production using soil-less culture and long-cane techniques – Ryan Dickson, Leala Machesney, Amanda McWhirt, and Margaret Worthington, University of Arkansas, $5,000 – REPORT
  • Prevalence and management of fungicide-resistant fungal pathogens of blackberry – Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia, $5,000 – REPORT

The committee also recommended, and the Trustees approved, funding of three scholarships (travel grants) of $500 each to support graduate student to attend the national meeting and to present a poster.

2019 Grants

Seven proposals were submitted, for a total request of $26,000, and four were approved for funding. The total of all grants for 2019 is $13,860. Three projects received full funding and one received partial funding. These projects were funded:

  • Investigating Field Approaches to Reducing Reversion in Blackberries – Mark Bolda, University of California Cooperative Extension, $2,160.
  • Species Identification and Fungicide Resistance Profiling of Botrytis Isolates Affecting Raspberries and Blackberries in the Mid-Atlantic – Mengjun Hu, University of Maryland, $3,500 – REPORT
  • Modifying Cane Architecture of Primocane-Fruiting Blackberry with Prohexadione Calcium and Summer Pruning – Thomas M. Kon, Gina Fernandez, and Penelope Perkins-Veazie, North Carolina State University, $5,000  – REPORT
  • A New Food-Grade Behaviour Disruptor as a Management Tool for Spotted Wing Drosophila – Vaughn Walton and Marco Valerio Rossi Stacconi, Oregon State University, $3,000.

2018 Grants

Fifteen proposals were submitted, for a total request of $60,154. The total of all grants for 2018 is $18,823. Five projects received full funding and one received partial funding. These projects were funded:

  • Development of Aphid Resistance Resources in Black Raspberry – Kelly Vining, Oregon State University; Nahla Bassil and Chad Finn, USDA-ARS-Corvallis, $4,867.
  • Evaluation of fungicides for management of cane blight disease of blackberry – Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia, $3,000 – REPORT
  • Pseudo Double-Cropping Primocane Blackberry Cultivars in a Cold Hardiness Zone 4 Region – Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, $4,040.
  • Rapid Assessment of Red Drupelet Reversion in Blackberries Harvested throughout the Day – Margaret Worthington, John R Clark, and Renee Threlfall, University of Arkansas, $3,500.
  • Substrate Culture of Raspberries, 2018 – Eric Hanson, Michigan State University, $2,416.
  • Using molecular tools to incorporate spotted wing drosophila host use and movement patterns towards the development of targeted management programs – Hannah Burrack and Lauren Diepenbrock, North Carolina State University, $1,000 – REPORT

2017 Grants

Six project proposals were submitted for a total request of $21,256. The total of all grants is $14,756. Four projects received full funding and one received partial funding.

  • Substrate Culture of Raspberries – Eric Hanson (Michigan State University), $3,116 – REPORT
  • Eleven blackberry cultivar trial, and varietal specific susceptibility to certain pathogens – Guido Schnabel, Jeff Hopkins and Jennifer Corbin (Clemson University), $2,000 – REPORT
  • Grit Weeding to Efficiently Control Weed Populations in Primocane-Fruiting Raspberries – Steve Poppe, Mary Rogers (University of Minnesota), $2,500 – REPORT
  • Pseudo-Double-Cropping Primocane Blackberry Cultivars in a Cold Hardiness Zone 4 Region – Harlene Hatterman-Valenti (North Dakota State University), $4,340.
  • Vitamin C content in blackberries during storage – Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Gina Fernandez (North Carolina State University), $2,800 – REPORT

2016 Grants

Ten proposals were received, totaling $36,742. The Foundation funded seven projects for a total of $16,862. The total request represented an increase of almost 40% over the previous year. A number of the projects were given partial funding of their request.

  • Alternative method of primocane management for primocane-fruiting blackberry – Fumi Takeda, USDA-ARS, Kearneysville, WV, $3,430 – REPORT
  • Manipulating horticultural practices to manage SWD – Tracy Leskey and Kevin Rice, USDA-ARS, Kearneysville, WV, $1,000 – REPORT
  • Developing the Genomic Infrastructure for Breeding Improved Black Raspberries – Chad Finn et al. USDA-ARS Corvallis, OR, $1,500.
  • Electronic Labeling USDA Rubus Genebank, Part 3 – Joseph Postman and Kim Hummer, USDA-ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Corvallis, OR, $1,000.
  • Fire Blight: An Emerging Problem for Blackberry Growers in the Mid-South – Burt Bluhm, University of Arkansas, $4,000 – REPORT 
  • Using bacteria and fungi to develop sustainable control methods for SWD – Johanna Elsonsohn and Hannah Burrack, NC State University, $2,500 – REPORT
  • Effects of the mating and reproductive status of SWD females on their attraction to fermentation-based baits and ripe fruits – Hannah Burrack and Katie Swoboda Bhattarai, NC State University, $3,432 – REPORT

2015 Grants

Eight proposals were received, totaling $26,612. The Foundation funded six projects for a total of $16,106.

  • Double Cropping of primocane fruiting raspberries – Eric Hanson (University of Michigan), $3,000 – REPORT
  • Elucidating symbioses between Drosophila suzukii and fungal communities for improved insect and disease management in raspberry production – Kelly A. Hamby and Cassandra L. Swett (University of Maryland), $4,000 – REPORT
  • Tracking the movement of spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) over space and through time to improve management programs – Hannah J. Burrack and Katharine Swoboda Bhattarai (North Carolina State University), $3,974 – REPORT
  • Electronic Labeling for the USDA Rubus Genebank, Part 2: Blackberries – Joseph Postman and Kim Hummer (USDA ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository), $1,000 – REPORT
  • Evaluation of Algicides for Management of Orange Felt and Fungicides for Control of Cane Blight Diseases of Blackberry – Phil Brannen (University of Georgia), $2,632 – REPORT
  • Developing the Genomic Infrastructure for Breeding Improved Black Raspberries – Chad E. Finn, Nahla V. Bassil, Jungmin Lee, and Jill Bushrakra (USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR), $1,500 – REPORT

2014 Grants

Eleven proposals requesting a total of $43,914 were received. Six projects were funded, for a total of $17,219.

  • Evaluation of algicides for management of orange felt and fungicides for control of cane blight diseases of blackberry – Phil Brannen, University of Georgia, $2,632 – REPORT
  • Identification of effective toxicants for inclusion in attracticidal spheres for management of Drosophila suzukii – Tracy Leskey, USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station (WV), $5,000 – REPORT
  • Developing the genomic infrastructure for breeding improved black raspberries – Chad Finn, Nahla Bassil, Jungmin Lee, Jill Bushakra, USDA-ARS (OR), $1,500 – REPORT
  • Effects of non-crop habitat and patterns of movement by Drosophila suzukii on fruit infestation in commercial blackberry fields – Hannah Burrack, NC State University, $3,273 – REPORT
  • Innovative packaging technologies to enhance the safety and the quality of fresh raspberry – Thomas Gianfagna and Kit Yam, Rutgers University, $3,814 – REPORT
  • Electronic data collection/labeling for the USDA rubus genebank – Kim Hummer and Joseph Postman, USDA-ARS Germplasm Repository (OR), $1,000 – REPORT

2013 Grants

The Foundation received eight proposals, with the requests totaling $36,748. Four proposals for were approved for a total of $16,751.

  • Early Detection & Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila in Raspberry in NY, Greg Loeb, Cornell University – $4,943 – REPORT
  • The Effects of Temperature and Light in High Tunnel Primocane Red Raspberry Production – Year 2 of 2, Gail Nonnecke, Iowa State University – $3,308 – REPORT
  • Improved Monitoring, Basic Biology, and Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in Southern Bramble Culture, Blair Sampson/Eric Stafne/Steve Stringer, USDA MS/Mississippi University – $5,000 – REPORT
  • Postharvest Kit for Small Acreage Growers – Phase 2, Penny Perkins and Gina Fernandez, NC State University – $3,500 – REPORT

2012 Grants

The Foundation received eleven proposals, with the requests totaling $47,471. Seven proposals were funded, for a total of $25,846.

  • Evaluation of Indazaflam (Alion) Herbicide for Preemergence Weed Control in Blackberries Grown for Propagation (Container and Field Grown) — Mark Czarnota, University of Georgia, $2,000. NARBA also arranged for an additional $1,000 from 1R4 for this project.
  • Laboratory and Semi-Field Evaluations of Attracticidal Spheres as a Tool for Control of Drosophila suzukii — Tracy Leskey, USDA-ARS, Kearneysville, WV, $5,000 – REPORT
  • Seasonal Phenology and Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila in Raspberry Crops in NY — Greg Loeb,Cornell University, $5,000 – REPORT
  • Vegetation-Free Strip Width in Young and Established Blackberry — ­Katie Jennings et al., NC State University, $3,000 – REPORT
  • A Postharvest Kit and Training for Small Acreage Raspberry and Blackberry Growers: Phase 1: beta testing of kit and training — Penny Perkins, Reza Rafie, and Gina Fernandez, NC State University and Virginia State University, $4,260 – REPORT
  • The Effects of Temperature and Light in High Tunnel Primocane Red Raspberry Production — Dr. Gail R. Nonnecke and Ms. Leah Riesselman, Iowa State University, $3,586 – REPORT
  • Tunnel-growing Systems for Raspberries: Development of germplasm with two-spotted spider mite resistance, and adaptation of reflective mulches forincreased yield — Drs. Adam Dale, Becky Hughes, et al., University of Guelph, Ontario, $3,000 – 2013 REPORT – 2012 REPORT

2011 Grants

The Foundation approved seven proposals for a total of $22,447.

  • Alternative Tactics to Prevent Bramble Damage by Borers (continuing funding, second year) – Donn T. Johnson, University of Arkansas, $5,000.
  • Vegetation-Free Strip Width in Young and Established Blackberry – Katie Jennings, NC State University, $2,700 – REPORT
  • Variability and Host Range of Blackberry Chlorotic Ring Spot Virus – Mohamed Hassan and Ioannis Tzanetakis, University of Arkansas, $2,000 – REPORT
  • Evaluation of Herbicides for Preemergent Weed Control in Blackberry Fields – Mark A. Czarnota, University of Georgia, $3,000. This project received matching funds from the IR4 Program.
  • Developing the Genomic Infrastructure for Breeding Improved Black Raspberries – Chad Finn, USDA-ARS Corvallis, $1,500 – This supported a larger SCRI proposal. Funds were contingent on this federal proposal being funded. 2013 REPORT
  • Screening of Raspberry Fruit for Carotenoids: Impact on Flavor and Color – Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Gina Fernandez, NC State University, $2,400 – REPORT

2010 Grants

The Foundation funded six proposals in 2010 for a total of $21,052.

  • Determining Infection Timing of Foliar and Cane Diseases in Raspberries (Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University) $5,701.
  • Alternative tactics to prevent bramble damage by borers (Donn T. Johnson, University of Arkansas) $2,986 – REPORT
  • Variability of Blackberry Yellow Vein Associated Virus and Blackberry Virus Y (Ioannis Tzanetakis, University of Arkansas) $5,000 – REPORT
  • Post-harvest Treatments for Shelf Life Extension and Antioxidant Promotion of Caneberries (Penelope Perkins-Veazie, North Carolina State University) $2,765 – REPORT
  • Blackberry Varieties for Tunnel Production in Northern Areas- Year 3 of 3 (Eric Hanson, Michigan State University) $1,600 – REPORT
  • Developing and Mapping Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) from the Red Raspberry Genome Sequence (Courtney Weber, Cornell University) $3,000 – REPORT
  • An additional project, Developing the Genomic Infrastructure for Breeding Improved Black Raspberries (Chad E. Finn, USDA/ARS Horticultural Crops Research Lab, Corvallis, OR) $3,000, was also approved, contingent upon a larger project’s being funded. Unfortunately, the project was subsequently not funded by USDA.

2009 Grants

The Foundation funded six proposals for a total of $16,250.

  • Blackberry Varieties for Tunnel Production in Northern Areas – Year 2 of 3. Eric Hanson et al, Michigan State University, $1,800.
  • Establishment of a raspberry research planting at Michigan State University for fungicide efficacy and disease biology research. Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University, $4000. This project, is being funded through a cost-share with the IR-4 Project. REPORT
  • Survey for the presence of 10 new viruses in blackberry. Ioannis Tzanetakis, University of Arkansas, $3,000 – REPORT
  • High Tunnel Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Production in Cold Region of Midwest. Yao and Luby, University of Minnesota, $2,450 – REPORT
  • Tag-Profiling of Differentially Expressed cDNA for Developing Phytophthora Root Rot Resistant Raspberry Cultivars. Courtney Weber, Cornell University, $3,000 – REPORT
  • Establishment of a Blackberry Cultivar Trial to Assess Important Attributes of Fresh Fruit, Juice, and Wine for Promotion of Name Recognition in the Marketplace. Eric Stafne, Oklahoma State University, $2,000 – REPORT

2008 Grants

Ten proposals were received, with a total request of $30,842. Eight were funded for a total of  $16,000.

  • Chromosome doubling of “Whitford Thornless” blackberry (Rubus argutus), Robert Skirvin, University of Illinois, $2,500.
  • Initial Studies into the Development of a Transgenic Protocol for Blackberry, John-David Swanson, University of Central Arkansas, $1,500.
  • Establishment of a Blackberry Cultivar Trial to Assess Important Attributes of Fresh Fruit, Juice, and Wine for Promotion of Name Recognition in the Marketplace, Eric Stafne, Oklahoma State University, $3,000 – REPORT
  • Blackberry Varieties for Tunnel Production in Northern Areas, Eric Hanson, Michigan State University, $1,800.
  • Performance and Winter Hardiness of Thorny and Thornless Blackberry Cultivars, Kathleen Demchak, Penn State University, $2,000.
  • Evaluation of reduced-risk fungicides for disease control in raspberries, Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University, $3,000. For this project, NABGRF’s funding will be matched by funds from the IR-4 Project. REPORT
  • Low Temperature Effects on Flower Formation and Fruit Development in Primocane-fruiting Raspberries and Blackberries for High Tunnel Production, Curt Rom, University of Arkansas, $2,200.

2007 Grants

Six proposals were received and four were funded for a total of $6,500.

  • Evaluation of Genotype x Environment Interactions in Primocane Fruiting Blackberry Populations (Weber, Clark and Luby of Cornell, University of Arkansas, and University of Minnesota, respectively) – $1,700.
  • High Tunnel Production of PrimeJim and PrimeJan Blackberries (Schloemann, University of Massachusetts) $1,800.
  • Evaluation of Herbicides for Yellow and Purple Nutsedge and Annual Sedges Control in Blackberry Fields (Czarnota, University of Georgia) $1,000 (plus $2,000 IR-4).
  • Evaluation of reduced-risk fungicides for disease control in raspberries, (Schilder, Michigan State University), $2,000 (plus $4,000 IR-4).

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Funded project reports are shared with NARBA’s members and the public.

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