Sphagnum moss is a promising growth substrate in arctic bramble container cultivation

Abstract

Development of container cultivation methods for arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus L.) is currently underway. The aim of this study was to evaluate Sphagnum moss and two substrate mixes containing peat and coir or perlite as alternatives for a pure peat substrate in arctic bramble container cultivation, with particular interest on Sphagnum moss. The experiment was conducted in plastic high tunnel in plant towers with three planting levels (Top, Middle, Bottom). The substrates used were unfertilised peat (UP), an UP and perlite mix (80/20 by dry loose volume) (UPP), an UP and commercial coir mix (50/50) (UPCoir) and unfertilised Sphagnum moss (SM). Plant vigour was higher in SM compared to UP and UPP, while total fruit yield, mean fruit weight and individual drupelet weight were higher in SM compared to UPP. Both plant vigour and fruit yield were substantially reduced on Middle and especially Bottom level, compared to the Top level of plant towers. Water retention measurement of pure substrate materials showed higher air volume content in SM compared to UP or pure coir material. We conclude that Sphagnum moss is a highly promising substitute for peat as a substrate in arctic bramble container cultivation.

The effect of relative humidity and the use of algae-based biostimulants on fruit set, yield and fruit size of arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus) arcticus)

“…1, suggesting better pollination success. In our previous experience, a higher drupelet count is easier to achieve in a high tunnel open to natural pollinators, while drupelet weight tends to be higher in a greenhouse environment (Tommila et al 2022a(Tommila et al , 2022b. The total fruit weight likely depends in large part on plant water status and general vigor, which affect the size of individual drupelets, while pollination success affects the number of drupelets.…”

“…strawberry cultivation, protecting the fruits from weather and elevating the plants to a more convenient picking height. Tommila et al (2022aTommila et al ( , 2022b) evaluated different organic substrate materials in arctic bramble protected container cultivation, and found Sphagnum moss to be a highly promising renewable alternative for traditional peat-based substrates.…”