With a robust program and the participation of the highest authorities, the XVIII International Blueberry Seminar of Chile is being prepared to repeat the success of the inauguration of the "World Blueberry Tour" in Lima, which brought together more than 60 of the most important international companies linked to the sector and the attendance of more than 650 people, who for two days participated in the reality of the Peruvian industry and the most important issues that allude to the cultivation and marketing of blueberries in the main markets.

The highest authorities in the agricultural sector, both public and private, have already confirmed their attendance at this reunion of the blueberry industry in Chile, which undoubtedly enhances and supports the work that the Chilean blueberry industry has been doing. for more than 30 years.

initial block

The renowned consultant of the Chilean Blueberry Committee, Isabel Quiroz, will begin the day by explaining in detail the situation of the Chilean blueberry industry post-season, then it will be the turn of the specialist and international consultant Manuel José Alcaíno, who will address the opportunities and challenges post-pandemic of the Chilean blueberry industry, and closing this block, which is eminently strategic for the industry, the Minister of Agriculture of Chile, Esteban Valenzuela, will share with the attendees the plans for agriculture of the incoming administration.

Most likely, the round of questions that takes place after each block, in this case, will be very extensive and fruitful, due to the relevance of the speakers and the importance of the topics discussed.

Postharvest and arrival

Then the most important aspects of the post-harvest process will be addressed, beginning with the presentation by the manager of Qima for Latin America and Europe, Ignacio Santibáñez, who will present the main problems in the arrival of Chilean fruit to international markets, then progress will be addressed in the use of controlled and modified atmosphere in blueberries, by the professor and researcher at the University of Chile, Víctor Hugo Escalona, ​​closing the block will be the turn of the postharvest expert, Jessica Rodríguez, who will speak about the logistical difficulties in pandemic and strategies in postharvest handling in blueberries.

Sponsors International Blueberry Seminar Chile 2019.

Rootstocks and organics

The afternoon session will begin with the research and experiences of the use of rootstocks in blueberries, presented by the specialist and professor at the University of Florida, Jeffrey G. Williamson. The graft in blueberries: change of variety and other applications, will be the topic that the international researcher Juan Carlos García Rubio will deal with.

Then it will be the turn to address some areas corresponding to organics, by the expert Emilio Merino, who will report on organic blueberry production: markets, demands, costs and strategies. Likewise, nutrient management options in organic blueberry production will be analyzed to obtain maximum yield and quality, by Amanda Davis, a researcher at Oregon State University.

Quality and nutrition

The final block will be dedicated to improving the quality of blueberry fruits under water stress conditions through the use of hormonal inducers, a topic that will be presented by Cristián Balbontín, in charge of the Berries Plant Breeding and Plant Breeding Program at INIA, and closing the session will address the use of nutritional supplements to achieve quality fruit, a master class by the renowned international consultant and INIA researcher, Juan Hirzel.

The program of the XVIII International Blueberry Seminar is robust and attractive for the Chilean industry, so this April 7th we will surely attend a full house in the rooms of the Monticello Events Center, as happened in the Westin Center in Lima. , on the occasion of the beginning of the "World Blueberry Tour" on March 9 and 10 just last. An unmissable opportunity to meet again with the most important actors in the blueberry production chain in Chile.