Sources of Information on the
Culture and Management of Small Fruit Crops
Books & Out-of-State Extension Publications:
Borderlon, B. 1995. Growing Grapes. Purdue Univ. Coop. Ext. Sev., HO-45. On Web as a PDF file:
http:www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/HO/HO-45.pdf.
Borderlon, B. 1995. Grape Varieties for Indiana. Purdue Univ. Coop. Ext. Sev., HO-221. On Web as a
PDF file: http:www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/HO/HO-221.pdf.
Cahoon, G., M. Ellis, R. Williams and L. Lockshin. 1991. Grapes: Production, Management and
Marketing. Ohio State Univ. Extension Bul 815, Agdex 231., 385 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Rd.,
Columbus, OH 43210-1044 (Ph: 614-292-1607).
Most complete publication of grape growing in the Midwest, and adaptable to Iowa conditions. Pruning
and training systems are well illustrated.
Caruso, Frank L., and Donald C. Ramsdell. 1995. Compendium of Blueberry and Cranberry
Diseases. APS Press, American Phytopathological Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN
55121; http://www.shopapspress.org/index.html
Childers, Norman F. 2003. The Strawberry – Modern Production Techniques. Norman F. Childers
Publications, 3906 NW 31 Place, Gainesville, FL 32606. http://www.noarthritis.com/strawberry.htm
A complete book on strawberry production in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Eck, Paul. 1988. Blueberry Science. Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Dami, I. 2005. Midwest Grape Production Guide. Ohio St. Univ. Extension Bul 919. 385 Kottman
Hall, 2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1044 (Ph: 614-292-1607);
http://ohioline.osu.edu/b919/0001.html
Replaces Grapes: Production, Management and Marketing (Bul 815).
Ellis, M., R.H. Converse, R.N. Williams, and B. Williamson, eds. 1991. Compendium of Raspberry
and Blackberry Diseases and Insects. APS Press, American Phytopathological Society, 3340 Pilot
Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121; http://www.shopapspress.org/index.html
Description and control of fungal, bacterial, viral, physiological disorders, and arthropod pests of
raspberries and blackberries. Includes color plates. An excellent reference.
Funt, Richard C., Michael A. Ellis, and Celeste Welty. 1997. Midwest Small Fruit Pest Management
Handbook. Bulletin 861. Ohio State Univ. Extension Publications, 385 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey
Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1044 (Ph: 614-292-1607). (Available through ISU Extension)
Covers pest management stratagies for deseases, insects and weed control on strawberries, brambles,
blueberries and grapes. Includes information on identifying various pests, however, illustrations are
limited to drawings.
Galletta, Gene J. and David G. Himelrick, eds. 1990. Small Fruit Crop Management. Prentice Hall,
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632. (Available through Indiana Berry & Plant Co\)
Presently being used as the text for "Small Fruit Culture" at ISU. The best available book on small fruit
culture and management, but tends to be somewhat short on technical information needed for making
sound management decisions.
Gordon, Don. 1991. Growing Fruit in the Upper Midwest. University of Minnesota Press, 2037
University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. \
Includes apples, pears, peaches, cherries and cherry plums, plums, apricots, grapes, strawberries,
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Prepared by Dr. Paul Domoto, Dept. of Horticulture
(January 2013)
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Extension
brambles, currents and gooseberries, blueberries and other fruits. A practical "how-to" guide to growing
fruit for home gardens and small commercial growers. Author relied heavily on extension bulletins from
states in the upper midwest. Because of that, it does serve as an excellent reference regarding cultivar
selection.
Kader, Adel A. (editor). 1992. Postharvest Technology of Horticultural Crops. Publications Division
of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of California, 6701 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, CA
94608-1239. Publication 3311. ($69.00)
Excellent book on postharvest handling of fruits and vegetables with technical information on optimum
storage conditions. Used as a text book at ISU.
Maas, J.L., ed. 1984. Compendium of Strawberry Diseases. APS Press, American Phytopathological
Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121; http://www.shopapspress.org/index.html
Description and control of fungal, bacterial, viral, and physiological disorders of strawberries. Includes
color plates. An excellent reference.
Pearson, R.C. and A. C. Goheen, eds. 1990. Compendium of Grape Diseases. APS Press, American
Phytopathological Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121;
http://www.shopapspress.org/index.html
Description and control of fungal, bacterial, viral and physiological disorders of grapes. Includes color
plates. An excellent reference.
Pritts, Marvin and David Handley, eds. 2008(rev). Raspberry and Blackberry Production Guide for
the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada. NRAES-35, Northeast Regional Agricultural
Engineering Service, Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853;
http://www.nraes.org/
Previously “The Bramble Production Guide”. For raspberries, practices are applicable to Iowa.
Pritts, Marvin and James F. Hancock. 1992. Highbush Blueberry Production Guide. NRAES-55,
Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-Robb Hall,
Ithica, NY 14853; http://www.nraes.org/
Covers all aspects of blueberry production, from preparing, planting, and maintaining the site to
harvesting, handling, and marketing fruit. Written for the northeastern US, but has application to Iowa
conditions.
Pritts, Marvin and Adam Dale. 1989. Dayneutral Strawberry Production Guide. Cornell Coop. Ext. #
16224.
See Cornell Fruit Resources – Berries web site.
Pritts, Marvin and David Handley, eds. 1999. Strawberry Production Guide For the Northeast,
Midwest, and Eastern Canada. NRAES-88, Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service,
Cooperative Extension, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853; http://www.nraes.org/
Shoemaker, J.S., ed. 1978. Small Fruit Culture, 5th ed., AVI, Westport CT.
Previously used as the text for "Small Fruit Culture" at ISU. A good "how-to" book, but much of the material is
out-of-date.
Westwood, Melvin N. 1993. Temperate-Zone Pomology (3rd ed.). Timber Press, Portland Oregon.
($69.50) Book covers much of the physiology and culture of tree fruits, small fruits and nuts grown in
temperate climates. It would be beneficial to the grower that wants to know more about "why" various cultural
practices are used, but tends to be slanted to the west coast fruit industry.
Wills, R.B.H., W.B. McGlasson, D. Grahm, T.H. Lee and E.G. Hall. 1989. Postharvest, An
Introduction to the Physiology and Handling of Fruits and Vegetables. AVI Book, published by
Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York. ($26.95)
Contains basic information on the postharvest handling of fruits & vegetables, but tends to be shy on
technical information regarding optimum storage conditions.
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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Extension
Zabadal, T.J., G.S. Howell and D.P. Miller. 1997. Table Grape Varieties for Michigan. Bull. E-2642,
Michigan State University Extension, MSU Bulletin Ofice, 10-B Agriculture Hall, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 ($2.00).
Provides detailed information and color photographs of table grapes recommended for Michigan.
However, many cultivars listed would not be adapted to Iowa.
Howell, G.S., D.P. Miller and T.J. Zabadel. 1998. Wine Grape Varieties for Michigan. Bull. E-2643,
Michigan State University Extension, MSU Bulletin Ofice, 10-B Agriculture Hall, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 ($4.00).
Provides detailed information and color photographs of wine grapes recommended for Michigan.
However, many cultivars listed would not be adapted to Iowa.
Zabadal, T.J., and J.A. Andersen. 1997. Vineyard Establishment I, Preplant Decisions. Bull. E-2644,
Michigan State University Extension, MSU Bulletin Ofice, 10-B Agriculture Hall, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 ($3.00).
Provides detailed information regarding site and soil requirements, and vineyard layout.
Zabadal, T.J. 1997. Vineyard Establishment II, Planting and Early Care of Vineyards. Bull. E2645, Michigan State University Extension, MSU Bulletin Ofice, 10-B Agriculture Hall, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 ($5.00).
Provides detailed information planting, cultural care, and trellis construction during the first three
years of vineyard establishment. However, it does not go into trellising systems.
Web Sites:
ISU Viticulture Home Page:
http://viticulture.hort.iastate.edu/home.html
Midwest Small Fruit & Grape Net: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~sfgnet/
Small Fruit Nursery Guide:
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/department/faculty/pritts/sfruits/Nurseryfile2.htm , or pdf version:
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/department/faculty/pritts/sfruits/Nurserylist2.htm
Cornell Fruit Resources:
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/extension/commercial/fruit/Berries/genprod.html
Trade Publications:
Feature articles on progressive grower practices, research, and issues that relate to fruit growing.
Advertising contained in the publications serves as an excellent source for locating fruit growing
supplies and equipment that are not available locally.
American Fruit Grower. Meister Publishing Company, 37733 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094.
Ph: 216-942-2000, ($14.00/year)
Contains articles on both small fruits and tree fruits.
The Great Lakes Fruit Growers News. 343 S. Union St., Sparta, MI 49345. Ph: 619-887-8615,
($10.00/3 years).
Contains articles on both small fruits and tree fruits.
The Packer. Vance Publishing Corp., Box 1418, Lincolnshire, IL 60069.
Reports current wholesale prices and movement of fresh produce in the US, and contains articles on
the produce industry. Also included is The Grower, a monthy supplement devoted to production
practices related to the produce industry.
______________________________________________________________________________
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Extension
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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Extension
ISU Extension Publications:
Available from: Publications Distribution Center, Printing and Publications Building, Iowa State
University, Ames, Iowa 50011 (Ph: 515-294-5247); or your County Extension Office. A complete
listing of ISU Extension publications is available on the Web at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/
PM 453
PM 1788
Pm 1375
Pm 672d
NCR 281
PDO-83
Pm-1302a
Pm-1302d
Pm-1302e
Pm-1302g
IDEA 2
B 861
PM 1974A
PM 1974B
PM 1974C
Fruit Cultivars for Iowa.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM453.pdf
Growing Fruit in Iowa.
Midwest Commercial Small Fruit & Grape Spray Guide.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1375.pdf
Production Guide for Commercial Strawberries.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM672D.pdf
Weed of the North Central States.
Intergrated Pest Management for Iowa Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Growers.
Managing Iowa Wildlife: Pocket Gophers.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1302A.pdf
Managing Iowa Wildlife: Problem Birds Around Houses and Farmsteads.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1302D.pdf
Managing Iowa Wildlife: Raccoons.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1302E.pdf
Managing Iowa Wildlife: Deer.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1302G.pdf
Small Fruits Insect and Disease Management for Backyard Fruit
Growers in the Midwest.
Midwest Small Fruit Pest Management Handbook.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/b861/index.html
On-Farm Food Safety: Guide to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs).
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1974A.pdf
On-Farm Food Safety: Guide to Food Handling.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1974B.pdf
On-Farm Food Safety: Guide to Cleaning and Sanitizing.
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1974C.pdf
Trade Organizations:
National:
North American Strawberry Growers Association. c/o Dr. Ed Burns, Exec. Sec., P.O. Box
1245, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688.
Includes newsletters plus proceedings of annual conference.
North American Bramble Growers Association. 2124 University Ave, St. Paul, MN 551141838
State:
Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Includes a newsletter plus subscription to The
Fruit Growers News.
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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Extension
Other Sources of Information:
Nursery Catalogs: Although sometimes "hyped-up", nursery catalogs contain information on
variety characteristics. Some catalogs also contain excellent information on production practices
related to planting and initial handling of the plants.
Concord Nurseries, Inc
10175 Mile Block Rd.
North Collins, NY 14111-9770
Ph: 800-232-2211
http://www.concordnursery.com/
(grapevines only)
Daisy Farms
91089 60th Street
Decatur, MI 49045
Ph: 616-782-6321
http://www.daisyfarms.net/
Double A Vineyards
10277 Christy Road
Fredonia, NY 14063
Ph: 716-672-8493
http://www.rakgrape.com/
Hartmann’s Plant Company
P.O. Box 100
Lacota, MI 49063-0100
Ph: 269-253-4281
http://www.hartmannsplantcompany.com/
Indiana Berry & Plant Co.
5218 West 500 South
Huntingburg, IN 47542
Ph: 800-295-2226
https://indianaberry.com/
Miller Nurseries
West Lake Road
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Ph: 800-828-9630
http://www.millernurseries.com/
NorCal Nursery
P.O. Box 1012
Red Bluff, CA 96080
Ph: 916-527-6200
http://norcalnursery.com/
Nourse Farms, Inc.
41 River Rd.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Ph: 413-665-2658
http://www.noursefarms.com/
Specialty Crop Supply, Inc.
P.O. Box 378
Detroit Lakes, MN 56502
Ph: 218-847-9351
*
Disclaimer Clause: Listing of nurseries is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of
other nurserises which may offer similar products. A more complete listing of nurseries specializing
in fruit crops may be obtained in the July issue of the American Fruit Grower magazine.
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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Extension