1. Identify pathogens and potential biocontrol microorganisms for Botrytis, Powdery Mildew, and Rust on raspberries.

2. Isolate promising biocontrol agents, cultivate in vitro and in vivo, and assess their efficacy in pathogen suppression.

3. Analyze factors influencing the resistance or susceptibility of raspberry cultivars, particularly nutritional and physical traits.

4. Culture compost teas and extracts for application to susceptible plants for biological and nutritional control of pathogens.

5. Determine nutrient thresholds for establishing biocontrol agents and discouraging target pathogens.

6. Use organically acceptable nutrients to manage soil and tissue nutrient levels relative to pathogens.

7. Educate organic growers on techniques and materials for biocontrol agent cultivation.

Overall, techniques yielded positive outcomes. For the spring harvest, Botrytis incidence on foliage decreased by 60-80%, and damage on fruit reduced by 45-70% compared to untreated plots. Organic treatments were slightly less effective (<10%) than conventional fungicides. Powdery mildew was negligible, limiting comparisons.

Heavy rainfall from March to April exacerbated a rust outbreak, damaging plants and affecting fruit quality, warranting further investigation in 1995-1996.

Success was primarily attributed to compost tea foliar applications and a refined feeding program. Mixed results were seen in collecting and applying biological control microbes; only Klebsiella oxytoca was cultured but did not establish as expected. A second year of research is advised.

No active biocontrol microbes against powdery mildew were found, likely due to its low incidence. Further studies on rust agents are recommended.

Progress in compost tea production improved performance. Application rates will increase next year, and findings will be shared at various conferences.

The improved foliar feeding mixture, Brix Mix, raised leaf sap Brix readings but showed short-lived effects. Future research will focus on increasing application frequency and integrating Brix Mix with compost tea.

Laboratory analyses correlated field measurements, revealing that higher leaf sap nitrate levels negatively affected Brix readings. This suggests higher nitrogen levels may worsen Botrytis and rust incidence, with no observed link to powdery mildew. Further investigation into nitrogen fertilization timing and quantity is needed.