Berry Crops

Berry Crop Production Systems & Breeding Program

The overall goal of the Berry Crops Research and Extension Program, led by Dr. Scott Lukas, is to help growers of blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, and kiwifruit make educated decisions with regard to planting establishment and management to improve economic viability and sustainability.

Faculty Research Assistants: Amanda Davis and Pat Jones

Blueberry Extension Program

The Blueberry Extension Program is led by Dr. Wei Qiang Yang, District Berry Extension Agent serving the North Willamette Valley. Our work focuses on commercial berry crops, with a particular emphasis on blueberry production. We specialize in all aspects of blueberry production systems — from field establishment, physiology, and nutrition to irrigation, disease and pest management, postharvest handling, and international marketing.

Faculty Research Assistant: Sarah Doane

PUBLICATIONS

Strawberry Nutrient Management Guide for Oregon and Washington

Strawberry growers in Oregon and Washington raise fruit for both the processed and fresh markets, using both conventional and certified organic systems. This guide explains nutrient management for June-bearing and day-neutral cultivars — the two types of strawberries typically grown in the Pacific Northwest.

Emily Dixon, Bernadine Strik, Lisa Wasko DeVetter, Erica Chernoh, Cristina Ocana Gallegos and Javier Fernandez-Salvador | February 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Pruning and training grapes in Oregon

Proper training and pruning are essential for healthy, productive grapevines. Learn how to maintain vine health and maximize fruit production with a few vigorous snips from your clippers.

Logan Bennett | Oct 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Strawberry cultivars for Western Oregon and Washington

Learn about differences among strawberry varieties such as June-bearing, everbearing and day-neutral types. Discover which cultivars have commercial value and which work well for home gardens.

Scott Lukas, Jenyne Loarca, Patrick Jones, Emily Dixon, Bernadine Strik | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Identifying herbicide injury in blueberries: A grower’s guide

Herbicide use sometimes leads to crop injury. However, herbicide injury symptoms overlap with other stressors, making it hard to find the cause. Learn how to identify herbicide injuries and prevent problems.

Marcelo Moretti, Linda Brewer | Jan 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Growing Berries on the Oregon Coast: An Overview

Includes general information on site selection, soils, irrigation, mulching, nutrient management, and other considerations specific to growing berries on the Oregon Coast. Take our online classes! Scale up your pruning ...

Cassie Bouska, Emily Dixon, Bernadine Strik | Feb 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog

Raspberry cultivars for the Pacific Northwest

Learn about raspberry cultivars, including red, yellow, black, and purple types. Understand the difference between floricane-fruiting and primocane-fruiting cultivars, and which cultivars work well for home gardens.

Chad Finn, Bernadine Strik, Patrick P. Moore | Dec 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Blackberry Cultivars for Oregon

This publication describes blackberry cultivars, including trailing, erect, semierect, primocane-fruiting erect, and blackberry/red raspberry hybrids. It includes information on commercial value and identifies which cultivars work well for home gardens.

Chad Finn, Bernadine Strik | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog