This paper was originally presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the North American Bramble Growers Association, January 31 - February 4, 1996. Oregon is the leading blackberry production region in the world with 6,180 acres producing 42.6 million pounds in 1995. The erect and semi-erect blackberries are predominantly marketed fresh with excess fruit being processed.
Fruit are dull black in color.
Marion', despite its relative sensitivity to cold injury and thorny canes, is still the cultivar of choice in new plantings. However, this cultivar does offer the advantage of higher per acre yields than 'Marion', a greater tolerance to cold temperatures, and a harvest season in August when growers are done with most other berry crops. Fruit average about 3.5 grams in weight and are glossy black in color. Boysen' is sold with cultivar identification due to its very unique flavor and appearance. Seeds are more apparent than those of 'Marion', but the flavor, color and texture make this cultivar very desirable for processing.