Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Bi, Guihong

Committee Member

Stafne, Eric

Committee Member

Bheemanahalli, Raju

Committee Member

Harkess, Richard

Committee Member

Li, Tongyin

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Horticulture

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Abstract

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) are valued for their flavor, appearance, and nutritional quality. This study evaluated 26 raspberry cultivars over two seasons (2023 and 2024) in Mississippi under a 50% shade-covered system, using organic and conventional fertilization in 7-gallon containers. Cultivars included floricane- and primocane-fruiting types. Data collected included harvest timing, yield, berry weight, soluble solids content (°Brix), titratable acidity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). Results showed cultivar differences in yield, berry quality, and antioxidant levels. In 2023, conventionally fertilized plants produced higher yields; in 2024, fertilizer had no impact. Late-season harvests had elevated phytochemicals. ‘Prelude,’ ‘Nova,’ and ‘Polka’ yielded higher across both years, while ‘Jewel’ and ‘Bristol’ had the highest TPC and TFC, especially under organic conditions. This study highlights the potential of ‘Prelude,’ ‘Nova,’ and ‘Himbo Top’ in Mississippi’s warm climate and emphasizes the need for multi-year evaluations to inform local southern growers.

Sponsorship (Optional)

MDAC Specialty Crop Block Grant, USDA-NIFA Hatch project (MIS-112050)

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