North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Jim Fruth" <jfruth@uslink.net>]

Ginda,
   I use either of three methods to eradicate bramble.  Like you, I also 
have neighbors with wild bramble that creeps onto my land.  When they creep 
slowly, pulling keeps them in check.  Mowing works better so long as I stay 
ahead of it because, if I can keep them mowed, the root eventually runs out 
of 'zip' and the plant dies.  What I've learned to do lately takes less 
time.  I have a pail with the bottom cut out which I place over a resprouted 
plant that I previously mowed.  Into the pail (on the plant) I spray Round 
Up herbicide - the purpose of the pail is to prevent herbicide drift.  Works 
for me.
   As for Cane Borer, I have finally learned how to control/eradicate them 
and plan (hope to?) have an article written for the next Pomona.

Jim Fruth
Brambleberry Farm
Pequot Lakes, MN  56472
www.bberryfarm.com
(218)568-8483 [Store]
(218)831-7018 [My Cell]

I have wild blackberries that are thoroughly infested with yellow
rust.  Almost no berries, and scrawny growth.  From time to time I
try to get rid of them, but they are a very persistent weed, even
when infected, and they also grow in the neighbors' yards.

I have a domestic red raspberry (fall red) that has been disease free
for 9 years now.  Nothing worse than a bout of cane borer.  I have a
domestic blackberry (a gift from a fellow NAFEXer, but I forget the
cultivar) that has made it through two years without showing signs of
rust, although I still consider it a trial.  It did produce some
tasty berries this year.  It must be at least somewhat resistant,
since obviously the disease pressure is high.  (There are rust
infected wild plants growing within feet of this one.)

Ginda