With the presentation "Bioregulators in blueberries: strategies to cope with climatic stress" was presented by the Agr. M.Sc. Horticulture, Enrique Guzman, from the Antonio Narro Autonomous Agrarian University of Mexico. The presentation took place on the second day of the XXXIV International Seminar Blueberries Peru 2025.

Guzmán began his presentation by explaining that stress in biology refers to "environmental stimuli that deviate from optimal conditions." In this regard, he noted that plants respond to stress at the cellular level, adapting to new circumstances, so there will always be variations depending on climatic conditions.

Types of stress

He mentioned several types of stress, such as biotic stress (herbivorism, fungi, bacteria, etc.); abiotic stress (water deficit, high or low irradiation, temperature, heavy metals, etc.); and abiotic-induced stress (harvesting, pruning, tutoring, transplanting, etc.).

Regarding how stress affects plants, the specialist noted that it increases reactive oxygen species, causes variations in gene expression, changes in the balance of metabolic and physiological functions, and modifies the chemical composition of plants, decreasing their quality. All of this triggers changes in plant morphology, growth, and yield. Furthermore, the resulting phenotype is different from that required for good production and quality.

Defenses

Regarding this point, Engineer Guzmán stated that to activate the plant's defenses, compounds similar to those found in the plant's cell membrane must be applied, which it uses to activate signaling and awaken the genes that produce defenses. In this regard, biostimulants and regulators can be used.

He explained that phytohormonal regulators have a direct or indirect effect on the plant, depending on the product used. Regulators such as auxins produce more roots, more root formation, and activate stress receptors; cytokinins allow for improved plant development and activate receptors; and gibberellins can inhibit defenses. All of these produce more tolerant plants as an indirect effect.

In the case of direct-acting phytohormonal regulators, there are salicylates, brassinosteroids, and abscisic acid, which have an effect on the formation of antioxidants, defense compounds, osmolytes, escape routes, and adaptive changes in response to stress.

Enrique Guzmán's presentation complemented several other topics related to nutrition, health, and plant care included in the extensive program of the International Blueberry Seminar in Lima.

We look forward to seeing you at the next events of Blueberries Consulting:

-XXXV International Seminar on Berries & Cherries, Chile April 10, 2025
-XXXVI International Berry Seminar, Guadalajara, Mexico, May 28 and 29
-XXXVII International Blueberry Seminar Trujillo, Peru July 9 and 10
-XXXVIII International Blueberry Seminar Tangier, Morocco September 10