Request for Proposals
The North American Bramble Growers Research Foundation (NABGRF) Inc. seeks proposals for bramble research for the year 2012. All bramble proposals will be considered, however the following specific priorities have been established for this round of funding:
Pest Management Strategies
- Management and biology of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)
- Management and biology of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)
- Management (?) of Agrobacterium tumefaciens (crown gall)
- Evaluate new insecticides (pesticides) for blackberry and raspberry production.
Production Efficiency and Profitability
- Management of blackberries and raspberries in tunnels (pruning, training and trellis systems)
- Post-harvest handling for small farmers
Cultivar Development and Testing
Special Needs
Since 1999, NABGRF has funded a total of 59 proposals totaling $124,756. Funding for individual projects is expected to range from $2000-$5000. In order to expedite the process, we ask that your request stay within this range. For the past few years we have been able to awarda higher level of total funding than in previous years due to contributions by nurseries to NABGRF's Nursery Contribution Program, initiated in 2007.
Proposals will be reviewed by the Research Committee of the NABGRF at the next North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association annual meeting, January 16, 2012 in Sandusky, Ohio. The Research Committee will forward their recommendations to the NABGRF Board of Trustees. Final funding decisions are made by the Board of Trustees. Awards will be sent out in February 2012. For more information, email either of the NABGRF Research Co-Coordinators, Gina Fernandez and Jeff Chandler.
The deadline for proposals is December 15, 2011.
