The breeding priorities of blackberry processors: a case study within the southern region of the Caspian Sea

This study was performed to determine the breeding priorities of the blackberry processors in the Mazandaran province located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea of Iran. Data were collected by a questionnaire. The breeding characteristics are evaluated by five indices of growth habit, flowering, thorn, fruit quality, and quantity. Results showed the research participants had a wide range in age (26-65 years old), family members (1 to 9 people), income (very low to moderate), and blackberry growing aim (small-scale hobby through to larger-scale professional business operation). Among the indices, the characteristics of growth habit (7.5 of 10) and fruit quality and quantity (7.4 of 10) had the highest average, in the opinion of processors. Based on research findings, a significant difference exists between women and men in their opinion of the indices. Results revealed blackberry processors prefer to use; high-yield cultivars with black color, sweet taste, high nutrition value, and organic, which are free from disease and pest symptoms in both the bush and berry. In addition, preference was shown for large and early ripening berries with good firmness, with ever-bearing flowering and not upright bushes.