2023 Grants
Four proposals were submitted. All four were approved for funding, for a total of $20,000.
- Evaluation of RNA -based biopesticide against Botrytis cinerea, the causative agent of Gray Mold of brambles – Charith Raj Adkar-Purushothama, Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke – $5,000
- Genomic and phenomic technologies for evaluating and identifying root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) resistance in red raspberry, Savannah Phipps, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service – $5,000
- Determine and optimize the fertility inputs and substrate moisture management of long-cane raspberries grown in coconut coir and pine bark substrates, Dr. Gina Fernandez, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University – $5,000
- Adoption of a standardized virus diagnostic protocol for blackberry and raspberry in Mexico and later validation through a field survey, Alfredo Diaz-Lara, Techologico de Monterrey – $5,000
2022 Grants
Five proposals were submitted. All five were approved for funding, for a total of $21,005.
- Assessing the Effect of Different Nitrogen Fertilization Rates on the Postharvest Quality of ‘Ouachita’ grown in South Georgia – Ames, University of Georgia $5,000.00.
- Evaluating Florian-fruiting Blackberry Response to Bed Renovation and Fertilizer Application Timing – Becker, University of Kentucky $4,000.00.
- Assessment of Blackberry Injury in Response to a Selection of Preemergent Herbicides – Bertucci, University of Arkansas $2,005.00.
- Investigating the Effects of Novel Postharvest Treatments on the Shelf-life of Georgia-grown Blackberries – Deltsidis, University of Georgia $5,000.00.
- Long Cane Production of Raspberries – Fernandez and Jackson, NC State University $5,000.00.
2021 Grants
Three proposals were submitted. All three were approved for funding, for a total of $14,786.
- Enhancing Blackberry Canopy Light Distribution with Reflective Groundcovers – Kon et al, NC State University, $5,000.
- Extend and Maximize Postharvest Quality of Raspberry: Creating Controlled Atmosphere Storage in a Bag, Gianfagna, Rutgers University, $4,986.
- Evaluating Impact of Harvest Date on Flavor and Volatile Attributes of Fresh-market Blackberries, Threlfall et al, University of Arkansas, $4,800.
In addition, the Foundation approved $3,000 for a program to provide travel scholarships for graduate students to attend 2022 NARBA Conference and participate in poster presentations.
2020 Grants
Three proposals were submitted for a total request of $13,974. Two were approved for funding:
- Evaluation of blackberry production using soil-less culture and long-cane techniques – Ryan Dickson, Leala Machesney, Amanda McWhirt, and Margaret Worthington, University of Arkansas, $5,000
- Prevalence and management of fungicide-resistant fungal pathogens of blackberry – Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia, $5,000
The committee also recommended, and the Trustees approved, funding of three scholarships (travel grants) of $500 each to support graduate student to attend the national meeting and to present a poster.
2019 Grants
Seven proposals were submitted, for a total request of $26,00, and four were approved for funding. The total of all grants for 2018 is $13,860. Three projects received full funding and one received partial funding.These projects were funded:
- Investigating Field Approaches to Reducing Reversion in Blackberries – Mark Bolda, University of California Cooperative Extension, $2,160
- Species Identification and Fungicide Resistance Profiling of Botrytis Isolates Affecting Raspberries and Blackberries in the Mid-Atlantic – Mengjun Hu, University of Maryland, $3,500
- Modifying Cane Architecture of Primocane-Fruiting Blackberry with Prohexadione Calcium and Summer Pruning – Thomas M. Kon, Gina Fernandez, and Penelope Perkins-Veazie, North Carolina State University, $5,000
- A New Food-Grade Behaviour Disruptor as a Management Tool for Spotted Wing Drosophila – Vaughn Walton and Marco Valerio Rossi Stacconi, Oregon State University, $3,000
2018 Grants
Fifteen proposals were submitted, for a total request of $60,154. The total of all grants for 2018 is $18,823. Five projects received full funding and one received partial funding. These projects were funded:
- Development of Aphid Resistance Resources in Black Raspberry – Kelly Vining, Oregon State University; Nahla Bassil and Chad Finn, USDA-ARS-Corvallis, $4,867
- Evaluation of fungicides for management of cane blight disease of blackberry – Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia, $3,000
- Pseudo Double-Cropping Primocane Blackberry Cultivars in a Cold Hardiness Zone 4 Region – Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, $4,040
- Rapid Assessment of Red Drupelet Reversion in Blackberries Harvested throughout the Day – Margaret Worthington, John R Clark, and Renee Threlfall, University of Arkansas, $3,500
- Substrate Culture of Raspberries, 2018 – Eric Hanson, Michigan State University, $2,416
- Using molecular tools to incorporate spotted wing drosophila host use and movement patterns towards the development of targeted management programs – Hannah Burrack and Lauren Diepenbrock, North Carolina State University, $1,000
2017 Grants
Six project proposals were submitted for a total request of $21,256. The total of all grants is $14,756. Four projects received full funding and one received partial funding.
- Substrate Culture of Raspberries – Eric Hanson (Michigan State University), $3,116
- Eleven blackberry cultivar trial, and varietal specific susceptibility to certain pathogens – Guido Schnabel, Jeff Hopkins and Jennifer Corbin (Clemson University), $2,000
- Grit Weeding to Efficiently Control Weed Populations in Primocane-Fruiting Raspberries – Steve Poppe, Mary Rogers (University of Minnesota), $2,500
- Pseudo-Double-Cropping Primocane Blackberry Cultivars in a Cold Hardiness Zone 4 Region – Harlene Hatterman-Valenti (North Dakota State University), $4,340
- Vitamin C content in blackberries during storage – Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Gina Fernandez (North Carolina State University), $2,800
2016 Grants
Ten proposals were received, totaling $36,742. The Foundation funded seven projects for a total of $16,862.
The total request represented an increase of almost 40% over the previous year. A number of the projects were given partial funding of their request.
- Alternative method of primocane management for primocane-fruiting blackberry – Fumi Takeda, USDA-ARS, Kearneysville, WV, $3,430
- Manipulating horticultural practices to manage SWD – Tracy Leskey and Kevin Rice, USDA-ARS, Kearneysville, WV, $1,000
- Developing the Genomic Infrastructure for Breeding Improved Black Raspberries – Chad Finn et al. USDA-ARS Corvallis, OR, $1,500
- Electronic Labeling USDA Rubus Genebank, Part 3 – Joseph Postman and Kim Hummer, USDA-ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Corvallis, OR, $1,000
- Fire Blight: An Emerging Problem for Blackberry Growers in the Mid-South – Burt Bluhm, University of Arkansas, $4000
- Using bacteria and fungi to develop sustainable control methods for SWD – Johanna Elsonsohn and Hannah Burrack, NC State University, $2,500
- Effects of the mating and reproductive status of SWD females on their attraction to fermentation-based baits and ripe fruits – Hannah Burrack and Katie Swoboda Bhattarai, NC State University, $3,432
2015 Grants
Eight proposals were received, totaling $26, 612. The Foundation funded six projects for a total of $16,106.
- Double Cropping of primocane fruiting raspberries – Eric Hanson (University of Michigan), $3,000
- Elucidating symbioses between Drosophila suzukii and fungal communities for improved insect and disease management in raspberry production – Kelly A. Hamby and Cassandra L. Swett (University of Maryland), $4,000
- Tracking the movement of spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) over space and through time to improve management programs – Hannah J. Burrack and Katharine Swoboda Bhattarai (North Carolina State University), $3,974
- Electronic Labeling for the USDA Rubus Genebank, Part 2: Blackberries – Joseph Postman and Kim Hummer (USDA ARS National Clonal Germplasm Repository), $1,000
- Evaluation of Algicides for Management of Orange Felt and Fungicides for Control of Cane Blight Diseases of Blackberry – Phil Brannen (University of Georgia), $2,632
- Developing the Genomic Infrastructure for Breeding Improved Black Raspberries – Chad E. Finn, Nahla V. Bassil, Jungmin Lee, and Jill Bushrakra (USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR), $1,500
2014 Grants
Eleven proposals requesting a total of $43,914 were received. Six projects were funded, for a total of $17,219.
- Evaluation of algicides for management of orange felt and fungicides for control of cane blight diseases of blackberry – Phil Brannen, University of Georgia, $2,632
- Identification of effective toxicants for inclusion in attracticidal spheres for management of Drosophila suzukii – Tracy Leskey, USDA-ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station (WV), $5,000
- Developing the genomic infrastructure for breeding improved black raspberries – Chad Finn, Nahla Bassil, Jungmin Lee, Jill Bushakra, USDA-ARS (OR), $1,500
- Effects of non-crop habitat and patterns of movement by Drosophila suzukii on fruit infestation in commercial blackberry fields – Hannah Burrack, NC State University, $3,273
- Innovative packaging technologies to enhance the safety and the quality of fresh raspberry – Thomas Gianfagna and Kit Yam, Rutgers University, $3,814
- Electronic data collection/labeling for the USDA rubus genebank – Kim Hummer and Joseph Postman, USDA-ARS Germplasm Repository (OR), $1,000.
2013 Grants
The Foundation received eight proposals, with the requests totaling $36,748. Four proposals for were approved for a total of $16.751.
- Early Detection & Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila in Raspberry in NY, Greg Loeb, Cornell University – $4,943
- The Effects of Temperature and Light in High Tunnel Primocane Red Raspberry Production – Year 2 of 2, Gail Nonnecke, Iowa State University – $3,308
- Improved Monitoring, Basic Biology, and Control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in Southern Bramble Culture, Blair Sampson/Eric Stafne/Steve Stringer, USDA MS/Mississippi University – $5,000
- Postharvest Kit for Small Acreage Growers – Phase 2, Penny Perkins and Gina Fernandez, NC State University – $3,500
2012 Grants
The Foundation received eleven proposals, with the requests totaling $47,471. Seven proposals were funded, for a total of $25,846.
- Evaluation of Indazaflam (Alion) Herbicide for Preemergence Weed Control in Blackberries Grown for Propagation (Container and Field Grown) — Mark Czarnota, University of Georgia, $2,000. NARBA also arranged for an additional $1,000 from 1R4 for this project.
- Laboratory and Semi-Field Evaluations of Attracticidal Spheres as a Tool for Control of Drosophila suzukii — Tracy Leskey, USDA-ARS, Kearneysville, WV, $5,000.
- Seasonal Phenology and Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila in Raspberry Crops in NY — Greg Loeb,Cornell University, $5,000.
- Vegetation-Free Strip Width in Young and Established Blackberry — Katie Jennings et al., NC State University, $3,000.
- A Postharvest Kit and Training for Small Acreage Raspberry and Blackberry Growers: Phase 1: beta testing of kit and training — Penny Perkins, Reza Rafie, and Gina Fernandez, NC State University and Virginia State University, $4,260.
- The Effects of Temperature and Light in High Tunnel Primocane Red Raspberry Production — Dr. Gail R. Nonnecke and Ms. Leah Riesselman, Iowa State University, $3,586.
- Tunnel-growing Systems for Raspberries: Development of germplasm with two-spotted spider mite resistance, and adaptation of reflective mulches forincreased yield — Drs. Adam Dale, Becky Hughes, et al., University of Guelph, Ontario, $3,000.
2011 NABG Research Foundation Grants
The Foundation approved seven proposals for a total of $22,447.
- Alternative Tactics to Prevent Bramble Damage by Borers (continuing funding, second year) – Donn T. Johnson, University of Arkansas, $5,000.
- Vegetation-Free Strip Width in Young and Established Blackberry – Katie Jennings, NC State University, $2,700.
- Variability and Host Range of Blackberry Chlorotic Ring Spot Virus – Mohamed Hassan and Ioannis Tzanetakis, University of Arkansas, $2,000.
- Evaluation of Herbicides for Preemergent Weed Control in Blackberry Fields – Mark A. Czarnota, University of Georgia, $3,000. This project received matching funds from the IR4 Program.
- Developing the Genomic Infrastructure for Breeding Improved Black Raspberries – Chad Finn, USDA-ARS Corvallis, $1,500. This supported a larger SCRI proposal. Funds were contingent on this federal proposal being funded.
- Screening of Raspberry Fruit for Carotenoids: Impact on Flavor and Color – Penelope Perkins-Veazie, Gina Fernandez, NC State University, $2,400.
2010 Grants
The Foundation funded six proposals in 2010 for a total of $21,052.
- Determining Infection Timing of Foliar and Cane Diseases in Raspberries (Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University) $5701.
- Alternative tactics to prevent bramble damage by borers (Donn T. Johnson, University of Arkansas) $2,986.
- Variability of Blackberry Yellow Vein Associated Virus and Blackberry Virus Y (Ioannis Tzanetakis, University of Arkansas) $5,000.
- Postharvest Treatments for Shelf Life Extension and Antioxidant Promotion of Caneberries (Penelope Perkins-Veazie, North Carolina State University) $2,765.
- Blackberry Varieties for Tunnel Production in Northern Areas- Year 3 of 3 (Eric Hanson, Michigan State University) $1,600.
- Developing and Mapping Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) from the Red Raspberry Genome Sequence (Courtney Weber, Cornell University) $3,000.
- An additional project, Developing the Genomic Infrastructure for Breeding Improved Black Raspberries (Chad E. Finn, USDA/ARS Horticultural Crops Research Lab, Corvallis, OR) $3,000, was also approved, contingent upon a larger project’s being funded. Unfortunately, the project was subsequently not funded by USDA.
2009 Grants
The Foundation funded six proposals for a total of $16,250.
- Blackberry Varieties for Tunnel Production in Northern Areas- Year 2 of 3. Eric Hanson et al, Michigan State University, $1,800.
- Establishment of a raspberry research planting at Michigan State University for fungicide efficacy and disease biology research. Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University, $4000. This project, is being funded through a cost-share with the IR-4 Project.
- Survey for the presence of 10 new viruses in blackberry. Ioannis Tzanetakis, University of Arkansas, $3,000.
- High Tunnel Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Production in Cold Region of Midwest. Yao and Luby, University of Minnesota, $2,450.
- Tag-Profiling of Differentially Expressed cDNA for Developing Phytophthora Root Rot Resistant Raspberry Cultivars. Courtney Weber, Cornell University, $3,000.
- Establishment of a Blackberry Cultivar Trial to Assess Important Attributes of Fresh Fruit, Juice, and Wine for Promotion of Name Recognition in the Marketplace. Eric Stafne, Oklahoma State University, $2,000.
2008 Grants
Ten proposals were received, with a total request of $30,842.
- Chromosome doubling of “Whitford Thornless” blackberry (Rubus argutus), Robert Skirvin, University of Illinois, $2,500.
- Initial Studies into the Development of a Transgenic Protocol for Blackberry, John-David Swanson, University of Central Arkansas, $1,500.
- Establishment of a Blackberry Cultivar Trial to Assess Important Attributes of Fresh Fruit, Juice, and Wine for Promotion of Name Recognition in the Marketplace, Eric Stafne, Oklahoma State University, $3,000.
- Blackberry Varieties for Tunnel Production in Northern Areas, Eric Hanson, Michigan State University, $1,800.
- Performance and Winter Hardiness of Thorny and Thornless Blackberry Cultivars, Kathleen Demchak, Penn State University, 2,000.
- Evaluation of reduced-risk fungicides for disease control in raspberries, Annemiek Schilder, Michigan State University, $3,000. For this project, NABGRF’s funding will be matched by funds from the IR-4 Project.
- Low Temperature Effects on Flower Formation and Fruit Development in Primocane-fruiting Raspberries and Blackberries for High Tunnel Production, Curt Rom, University of Arkansas, $2,200.
2007 Grants
Six proposals were received and four were funded.
- Evaluation of Genotype x Environment Interactions in Primocane Fruiting Blackberry Populations (Weber, Clark and Luby of Cornell, University of Arkansas, and University of Minnesota, respectively) – $1,700.
- High Tunnel Production of PrimeJim and PrimeJan Blackberries (Schloemann, University of Massachusetts) $,1800.
- Evaluation of Herbicides for Yellow and Purple Nutsedge and Annual Sedges Control in Blackberry Fields (Czarnota, University of Georgia) $1,000 (plus $2,000 IR-4).
- Evaluation of reduced-risk fungicides for disease control in raspberries, (Schilder, Michigan State University), $2,000 (plus $4,000 IR-4).
The Foundation also made awards from 2009 through 2006, but these are not summarized on this website.