John Clark

“Back in the early to mid-2000s, two major developments occurred that impacted blackberry production, particularly in the South and California. The first was the identification of several new viruses present in blackberries, including blackberry yellow vein associated virus, followed by a number of others along with numerous virus combinations in subsequent years. The second development was a substantial increase in planting of Arkansas-developed blackberries, established for the domestic commercial shipping market. This expansion coincided with the establishment of NCPN. Plantings that were established using non-virus-tested material often showed virus symptoms, with the worst infections seen in North Carolina. Plantings showing symptoms often were low in vigor and productivity, as well as short lived. However, with virus testing put in place from the mid-2000s onward, and expanded further as NCPN activities increased, virus-tested plants produced in tissue culture became the standard practice for new variety introductions from Arkansas. The first was Natchez, followed by Prime-Ark® 45, Prime-Ark® Freedom, Prime-Ark® Traveler, Osage and Black Magic. These were all virus tested for a broad range of viruses, and often heat treated, with the process carried out by the USDA-ARS NCPN unit in Corvallis, OR. The initial commercial stock introduced into the nursery trade was “clean”, resulting in millions of plants and hundreds of acres of plantings established with substantially increased success compared to just a few years prior. Along with the new varieties themselves, the NCPN accomplishments contributed greatly to this increase in plantings, grower profits, and quality blackberries for US consumers. This has provided one of the most impressive success stories in berries in recent years, and it would not have come about without the establishment of NCPN, and the commitment of the USDA-ARS Corvallis unit.”

Jenny Broome, Ph.D, Global Research-Plant Health Dept. Manager, Driscoll's, Watsonville California

“We take clean stock very seriously. Our independent growers want to grow our berries because they taste great, but also because of our nursery's commitment to start clean and stay clean.”

Josh Beam, Ph.D, Precision Ag Specialist for Western North Carolina

“Clean plants are the most important start to blackberry farming.  Without clean plants you are setting yourself up for failure.  Clean plants ensure your farm has the best chance to succeed.  We are very grateful that clean plants are available for purchase for our farm and others in the area.” 

Jon Umble, Production Planning and Research Manager, Fall Creek Nursery, Lowell, Oregon

“We are a global nursery company focused on blueberries.  Clean plant systems have a been foundational aspect of our business and have tremendous benefits within the nursery, for our customers and the entire blueberry industry.  Recent NCPN-related work in virus discovery, diagnostics and elimination have been critical to facilitating the worldwide movement of new cultivars from breeding programs and into grower's fields.”