The American Society for Horticultural Science, ASHS, awarded the research carried out by academics Claudia Moggia Lucchini y Gustavo Lobos Prats, academics from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and researchers from the Center for Genetic Improvement and Plant Phenomics, called Dangler for accelerated dehydration: A novel system for assessing the impacts of relative humidity on fruit water loss during cold storage of blueberries”.

The article describes a rapid and reliable method that allows, in less than seven days, the determination of dehydration at the level of individual fruit in dozens of cultivars simultaneously. This makes it easier to measure the impact of the environment where the crop grows and, thus, to evaluate its susceptibility to water loss, an essential factor for maintaining its optimal quality until it reaches the final consumer.

Photography: agrariasutalca

“We have been working with blueberries for 14 years, and we are one of the few researchers in Chile who study the crop at both the pre- and post-harvest levels. The system we describe in the article allows us to quickly and efficiently interpret how the fruit will behave in storage, a very relevant process for our industry, since more than 80% of Chilean blueberries are exported by sea, which can take up to 50 days to reach the final consumer. This international recognition reflects the effort put in by our research group in the development of the industry in Chile,” emphasized academic Claudia Moggia Lucchini.

The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), founded in 1903, is the world's leading professional organization dedicated to serving the agricultural community, with national and global impact. Among its many activities, it highlights the achievements of its members in research, extension, and education through scholarships and recognition of their work.

Photography: agrariasutalca

In the particular case of fruit growing, this “Outstanding Fruit Publication Award” was introduced in 1985. To do so, a jury composed of nine leading members of the ASHS fruit sector selects more than 100 articles per year from its different journals, which are subjected to a meticulous review and classification for the selection of a single winning article. From 1985 to 2023, according to the nationality of the main author, 37 articles have been recognized, coming from only four countries; USA (80%), Canada (8%), Germany (6%) and New Zealand (6%).

“The fact that the world's leading society in the field of agricultural and horticultural sciences recognizes our academics is a source of great pride for our Institution. This shows that we have high-standard professionals who do their research correctly and with vocation, which is rewarded and has a very positive impact on the training of students,” said Gonzalo Díaz Ulloa, dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences.

With this milestone, the University of Talca became the first South American institution to achieve this recognition. Professor Javier Lorca, from the Faculty of Architecture, Music and Design UTalca, professionals from the Center for Genetic Improvement and Plant Phenomics, and students from the undergraduate and graduate programs of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences also participated in this multidisciplinary technological development.