Red Cell Regression in Brambles
Return to Abiotic Disorders
Red cell regression is a post-harvest condition that occurs when blackberry fruit drupelets turn red in storage. It can result when berries are harvested in hot weather and then are rapidly cooled. There is no loss in sugar content or quality with this disorder, but discoloration may affect fresh market sales.
Red cell regression evident in harvest berries.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Harvest early in the morning while fruit are still cool.
- Keep berries shaded while harvesting.
- Cool berries to room temperature before moving into a cooler.
- Consider planting resistant or tolerant cultivars.
