Thick, woody branches on blackberry plants

Question

We are growing blackberry plants and actually have blackberries growing this year. We planted them last year. There are a few “super” branches, that is, thicker, woody, branches that don’t have fruit on them. Are these some kind of dormant or sucker branches and should they be trimmed or should we leave them? Can you explain to me what they are?

Answer 1

Yes, they should be trimmed. It sounds like you have witches' broom on the plant. In blackberries, it is normally a nuisance more than harmful to the plant, but they sap energy away from fruit production and will not produce themselves so it is best to remove them. This article will explain more about the condition:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/witches-broom-disease.htm