The influence of factors on the yields of two raspberry varieties (Rubus idaeus L.) and the economic results

Abstract

The research was carried out in the years 2015–2018 on the commercial plantations of a horticultural farm. The analysis focused on the yields of two raspberry cultivars: ‘Polana’ and ‘Polka’, factoring in the influence of cultivation methods (in the ground; in the beds with an agrotextile), soil classes (IIIa; IVb), and plantation age (2–5 and 6–10 years). The commercial yields of fruit intended for processing were determined. The economic efficiency analysis of the production of both varieties was carried out. It was shown that regardless of the factor under scrutiny, higher results (in t·ha–1) were obtained from the ‘Polana’ variety. There were differences in the yields of the two varieties depending on the factors. In the case of both varieties, higher results were obtained in traditional cultivation and in class IIIa soil. The plantation age caused only slight differences in the yields of both varieties. The analyses showed statistical significance only in the case of the impact of the cultivation method on the yields of the ‘Polana’ cultivar. Regardless of the variety, the value of production decreased year after year, which resulted mainly from the downward trend in raspberry prices.