On March 12, the Lima Convention Center in Peru was the venue for the XXXIV International Seminar of Blueberries Consulting, a highly relevant event for the agricultural sector that brought together producers and specialists in blueberry cultivation. One of the seminar's central topics was the presentation entitled "Skin Disorders and Alterations in Fruits," given by renowned agricultural engineer Dr. Bruno Defilippi, Director of Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile.

During his presentation, Dr. Defilippi shared his knowledge of the main problems affecting the appearance and external quality of fruits, as well as effective strategies for preventing and managing these alterations.

The talk sparked great interest among attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to learn about innovative techniques and practices to ensure harvest quality in an increasingly demanding market. The seminar, organized by Blueberries Consulting, reaffirmed its position as a benchmark in technical updating and the exchange of experiences in the blueberry industry.

This is how Dr. Defilippi referred to the challenge of producing quality blueberries without losing their firmness and freshness, since, although the blueberry is a fruit appreciated throughout the world for its sweet flavor and its antioxidant properties, in the opinion of the researcher, behind its popularity hides a constant challenge for producers: maintaining quality and firmness during storage and transportation, where the problem of loss of firmness not only affects consumer acceptance, but also directly impacts the profitability of the business, stated the researcher.

A silent enemy: the thin epidermis
One of the main factors contributing to the loss of firmness, according to Dr. Defilippi, is the blueberry's very structure. The thin epidermis that characterizes this fruit doesn't provide an effective barrier against water loss. This causes the fruit to dehydrate rapidly under conditions of low humidity or temperature fluctuations, reducing its shelf life.

The researcher also emphasized that a lack of firmness not only creates problems during storage, but also in distribution logistics. He explained that "a blueberry that loses water quickly becomes soft and susceptible to mechanical damage, which drastically reduces its commercial value." He emphasized that maintaining adequate relative humidity during storage and transportation is crucial to preserving fruit quality.

In this regard, the researcher referred to recent studies that have shown variations of 3% to 5% in moisture content, which can lead to softening problems, especially when the fruit is stored for more than three weeks. This loss of moisture, Dr. Defillipi indicated, is not always evident to the naked eye, but it can trigger skin disorders and cell collapse, affecting the product's commercial value.

Likewise, the researcher highlighted the work of the professor María Alejandra Moya and his team of researchers from the University of Talca, Chile, and Andrés Bello, who conducted significant research on how moisture loss varies depending on the fruit variety and skin characteristics, showing that certain skin types, such as the cuticle, play a key role in reducing water loss, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in storage processes.

The study also addressed the differences between varieties and their relationship to the management of skin damage. A relevant example is the formation of "race" or secondary layers on the fruit's skin, a common phenomenon in fruits such as apples and pears, but which can also be observed in blueberries when they present wounds or mechanical damage.

Physiological and environmental factors
In addition to the thin skin, the researcher indicated that other factors influence the loss of blueberry quality. These include physiological problems associated with the fruit variety and agronomic management during cultivation. Water stress, extreme temperatures, and inadequate harvesting methods can compromise the integrity of the fruit before storage.

Damage caused by insects, adverse weather conditions, or friction during transport can trigger the formation of this secondary skin, affecting both the fruit's appearance and its resistance to dehydration. The formation of this secondary layer represents a biological response to injury, seeking to protect the interior of the fruit from excessive moisture loss.

Technological solutions and future projection

The use of post-harvest technologies is essential to minimizing these problems, according to the researcher. However, he explained that not all solutions are available to small producers, which creates a significant gap in the final quality of the product that reaches international markets.

However, the INIA director highlights the work that researchers and agronomists are doing on innovative methods to improve fruit firmness and reduce water loss. One of the most promising strategies is the use of edible coatings that form a protective film on the fruit's surface, reducing transpiration and prolonging shelf life. Furthermore, implementing agronomic practices that promote the development of more resistant epidermis can make a difference. Selecting more robust varieties and proper irrigation management are also key factors in addressing this challenge.

Finally, the researcher indicated that the industry faces a continuous challenge, but with the joint efforts of researchers, producers, and marketers, in his view, it is possible to offer the market a high-quality blueberry that meets the expectations of the most demanding consumers.

We look forward to seeing you at the next events of Blueberry 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