Origin
Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles, commonly known as Arizona strawberry or redfruit dewberry, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically in the western United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.
Common Names
Arizona strawberry or redfruit dewberry are the most common names used to refer to Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles. It may also be referred to as Arizona raspberry, sticky raspberry, or strawberry raspberry.
Uses
Arizona strawberry or redfruit dewberry is primarily used for its fruit. The edible fruit are red, small, and sweet with a tangy flavor and are consumed raw or used in jams, jellies, and desserts. The leaves can also be harvested and brewed into a tea, which is believed to have medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, mouth sores, and sore throat.
General Appearance
Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles is a perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter tall and has a sprawling habit. The stem is greenish-brown and covered with dense, sticky hairs. The leaves are compound with three leaflets that are coarsely toothed and have a rough texture. The flowers are white or pink and bloom from April to July. The fruit is a small, red aggregate fruit, similar in appearance to a raspberry.
Light Requirements
The Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles is a shade-tolerant plant. It can grow in partial shade and even full shade. However, for optimal growth, it requires at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. The plant can survive and grow in areas with low light intensity, but it may not flower or fruit properly.
Temperature Requirements
The Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles is a cold-hardy plant. It can survive temperatures as low as -20°F (-28°C). However, it prefers cool to temperate climates, with temperature ranges between 60°F-75°F (15°C-24°C). The plant may not grow well in hot and arid regions.
Soil Requirements
The Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it prefers loamy soil. The plant cannot grow in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils as they can cause root rot. The optimal soil depth for the plant is between 8-10 inches (20-25 cm).
Cultivation methods
The Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles is a hardy plant that thrives in a variety of soil types. When cultivating this plant, it is advisable to choose an open and sunny location where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. It is also best to plant the Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
You can propagate the plant through seeds or stem cuttings. Starting with seeds, plant them in a seed tray or pot. When using stem cuttings, choose healthy stems with a node and a few leaves, and plant them in the soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist and warm until the plant takes root. After that, watering should be done moderately to avoid overwatering.
Watering needs
The Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus requires moderate watering when it is still young. As the plant gets established, you can reduce the frequency of watering to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. The plant can tolerate drought, but it is essential to maintain adequate moisture levels, especially during the flowering and fruiting season.
Avoid watering the plant during the hottest parts of the day and try to water early in the morning or late in the evening. Aim to water the roots directly and avoid getting the foliage wet as it can lead to fungal diseases. A good way to tell if the plant needs watering is by sticking a finger in the soil to test for moisture levels.
Fertilization
Although the Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus can thrive in most soils, it benefits from the application of balanced fertilizers during the growing season. It is best to feed the plant during the spring and summer months, using a balanced fertilizer that is rich in essential minerals and organic matter to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
Before applying fertilizers, test your soil PH level and use a fertilizer that is suitable for your soil type. Too much fertilizer can result in stunted growth and reduced fruit production. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply a balanced fertilizer at the recommended rate and frequency to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
To promote robust fruit production, it is essential to prune the Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus regularly. Pruning can also help to control the size of the plant and prevent the spread of disease. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, which is typically in late winter or early spring.
Cut back any diseased, dead, or damaged canes, leaving the healthy ones. Also, remove any suckers that grow from the base of the plant to focus the plant's energy on fruit production. The ideal cane length should be around 3-4 feet, but you can choose to trim them to a shorter length if it suits your preferences and garden space.
Propagation of Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus
Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus or Arizona red raspberry is a perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and produces small, red berries that are edible and have a sweet flavor. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
Seed propagation is the most common method used for propagation of Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus. Seeds can be collected from fully ripe berries and planted in well-draining soil during spring or fall. The seeds should not be allowed to dry out and should be kept moist until germination occurs. Germination can take up to 4-6 weeks, and seedlings should be transplanted when they reach a height of 4-6 inches.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another effective method used for Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus. Stem cuttings should be taken during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. A cutting should be taken from a healthy, disease-free plant that is at least one year old. The cutting should be approximately 6 inches in length and should be taken from the tip of a stem. The leaves should be removed from the lower 3 inches of the stem, and the cutting should be planted in well-draining soil. Rooting hormone can be used to enhance rooting. The cutting should be kept moist until roots form, and it should be transplanted once it has established a healthy root system.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division involves separating the plant's roots and replanting them in separate pots. This method should only be used on mature plants that are at least three years old. The plant should be dug up carefully and the roots should be divided into sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a portion of the stem. The divided sections should be replanted immediately in well-draining soil, and they should be watered regularly until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles is susceptible to various diseases, some of which are:
- Crown Gall: It's a bacterial disease that causes the formation of galls on the roots and crown of the plant. The tumorous growth can eventually lead to plant death.
- Root Rots: The fungus Phytophthora and Pythium are the main cause of root rot. These fungi colonize the roots and cause root decay, which can lead to death.
- Yellow Rust: It's a fungal disease that causes yellow-orange powdery spores on the leaves, which can decrease photosynthesis and affect the yield.
To manage these diseases, you can:
- Use clean planting materials to prevent the introduction of the pathogens into the field.
- Practice crop rotation with non-susceptible plants to prevent the buildup of pathogens in the soil.
- Ensure proper drainage in the field to reduce the incidence of root rot.
- Use fungicides to manage the diseases, but ensure to follow the recommended application rates.
Pest Management
Rubus strigosus Michx. var. arizonicus (Greene) Kearney & Peebles is also vulnerable to various pests. Some of the common pests that can attack this plant are:
- Spotted Wing Drosophila: This pest lays its eggs on the ripening fruits, leading to spoilage and rotting of the fruits.
- Spider Mite: Spider mites suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves, which can decrease the plant's productivity.
- Cane Borer: This pest bores into the canes, which weakens the plant and can lead to reduced yield.
To manage these pests, you can:
- Use insecticides to control the pests, but ensure that you follow the recommended application rates.
- Plant early and harvest early to avoid infestation and reduce the damage caused by the pests.
- Remove and destroy any infected plant parts to reduce the spread of the pests.
- Implement companion planting, such as planting basil and marigold, which can deter some pests.
