The discussion on the standards of firmness of the blueberry fruit has been prolonged permanently, and as the industry advances, more variables are included, mainly due to new management in pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest, making research more complex and postponing the emanation of results. definitive and unique, which implies an agreement of universal standards.

Technical chat

In August, on the occasion of the International Blueberry Month celebrations, we will have the opportunity to advance in these consensuses, participating in the technical talk by the international consultant Jorge Retamales, who will present the topic "What factors affect firmness and how to manage them?"

Year after year, producers and exporters from different countries show their uncertainty due to the lack of clarity in the reasons for rejecting the fruit in the North American, European or Asian markets, confirming at destination the different criteria for the arrival of their fruit, and concluding that this reality seriously affects the industry as a whole, especially Latin America.

pros and cons

Evaluating the relationship between fruit firmness, foliar nutrient content, nutrient content in fruits, and climatic and management variables in pre-harvest, the experts conclude that "firmness is positively correlated with the content of nitrogen and phosphorus inside the fruits and likewise with the foliar content of nitrogen and sulfur. On the contrary, firmness is negatively correlated with the variables plant age, increased solar radiation, applied irrigation overdose, high content of aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) in the leaves, and content of calcium oxide ( CaO) in the fruit ”.

At the moment, there is no methodology that allows the firmness of the fruit to be differentiated on the ground and at a productive level, which would improve homogeneity in the export units and reduce the possibilities of rejection, although there are determining technical factors that help to obtain optimal results. In this aspect, and equally, there are errors that harm the expected results of firmness of the fruit at harvest.

New knowledge

Professor Retamales' talk is very important, because it will allow us to deepen our knowledge on this topic. Let us not forget that blueberries ripen sequentially within the plant, making it very likely that the soft fruits, and therefore more susceptible to damage, have a higher physiological age than firm fruits. This reality, together with the fact that the harvest index is based only on the blue color, can result in visually similar but physiologically different fruit being mixed in shipments.

Important studies highlight that some practices, such as early harvesting and quick access to cold, reduce the incidence of soft fruit, but its use is not yet widespread. On the other hand, modified atmosphere (AM) technologies are mostly used, since they prolong life during the post-harvest stage under adequate storage conditions (0 ° C), so it is concluded that it is necessary to develop strategies that combine issues genetic (varietal characterization), with technological strategies to solve these problems.

Firmness, a vital factor in traveling fruit

The vast majority of shipments of Latin American fruit are made by sea, so it can take between 20 and 50 days to reach the final consumer. This reality, together with its high perishability, makes quality on arrival one of the most relevant characteristics to ensure good economic returns to the industry. In the process, the fruits can suffer rots, physiological disorders, dehydration, softening and weight loss, among other alterations, being especially susceptible to mechanical damage, as a result of blows or poor handling, which turns into excessive softening of the fruit. , reducing its quality and consequently its final value.

In short, the issue of firmness has many variables. New technologies and related research emerge periodically. At the same time, the demands for firmness and quality in the destination markets increase, so it is very important to deepen this discussion.

Professor Retamales' talk "What factors affect firmness and how to manage them?" It will take place on Thursday, August 27 and it will be possible to participate from different parts of the world, connecting from 12.00 noon. (Chilean time).

To register for the webinar enter the following link: