In this episode we are joined by Dr. Tom Kon, associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at North Carolina State University. Tom serves the southeastern apple industry across three states, NC, SC, and GA and has an integrated research and extension program which addresses the technological needs of apple production. Tom also conducts physiological research on blackberry. We brought Tom on the podcast to discuss his research in trying to improve blackberry plant productivity, manage its growth more efficiently, and ultimately find ways to reduce labor inputs. We discussed use of plant growth regulators (PGRs), reflective ground covers, novel training methods, as well as a little time talking about his work in Apples.