The future of the blueberry industry is marked by a competition that is no longer fought only in the fields, but also in genomics and biotechnology laboratories. Genetic improvement is the key to ensuring a stable, high-quality, and competitive supply, and those who advance in this race will be better positioned for the markets of 2030 and 2050.

Technologies, objectives and projections

Blueberry genetic improvement is entering a new phase accelerated by the convergence of genomics, high-precision phenotyping, biotechnology, and accelerated breeding techniques. In the short term (5 years), we will see increasing adoption of breeding schemes. Genomic Selection and molecular markers to accelerate the selection of progenies with greater firmness, fruit quality and resistance to pathogens.

In the medium term (10-20 years) the combination of targeted genetic editing (CRISPR/Cas) – for complex traits when regulation and acceptance allow it – together with phenotyping-assisted improvement strategies”high-throughput"and the development of varieties fully adapted to water and heat stress, will further transform crop productivity and adaptation to changing climates or challenging geographical areas.

Genomics and genomic selection (Genomic Selection)

Genomic selection (GS) allows for the prediction of the genetic value of young individuals using genome-wide markers, reducing traditional evaluation cycles. In blueberries, a perennial crop with long juvenile cycles, GS is especially valuable because it allows unpromising progeny to be eliminated early and resources to be concentrated on superior lines. In the short term, private and public programs that already have phenotyped collections will see rapid returns through improvements in firmness, size, and harvest time.

High-precision phenotyping (High-throughput phenotyping)

The use of sensors (hyperspectral imaging, multi-sensor cameras, drones, field platforms) and automated firmness and color measurements will allow complex phenotypic traits to be linked to genomic markers. This accelerates the learning curve of GS models and improves their accuracy.

Gene editing and biotechnology

Targeted gene editing (CRISPR/Cas) offers the possibility of modifying genes with significant effects on traits such as resistance to certain diseases, tolerance to heat stress, or the production of volatile compounds responsible for aroma. Its commercial deployment will depend on regulatory frameworks and market acceptance. In regions with regulatory-friendly practices, we could see edited cultivars in trials and registrations by the second decade (10 to 15 years).

Mechanization

Selection for traits that favor mechanized harvesting (straighter stems, firmer fruit, and uniform shedding) will become a priority to reduce labor costs. Breeding programs targeting these traits are already underway at several private breeders.

What will be sought to improve with the improvement?

• Greater fruit firmness and post-harvest life to cope with long logistics chains and distant markets.
• Greater fruit caliber and homogeneity due to retail demands.
• Resistance or immunity to key pathogens, such as botrytis, phytophthora, nematodes and emerging pests such as Drosophila suzukii.
• Thermal and drought/salinity tolerance. Adaptation to climate change and water stress.
• Traits suitable for mechanical harvesting: plant architecture and shedding characteristics.
• Best organoleptic profile: aroma, sugar/acid, bioactive compounds (anthocyanins) for nutritional value and premiumization.
• Ease of propagation and lower juvenile age, to shorten the commercial cycle.

Blueberries have ceased to be a niche crop and have become the most dynamic berry globally. Demand for them is growing at double-digit rates in emerging and established markets, and competition between producing countries has taken the industry to a new phase: it's not enough to produce more; we must produce better. In this context, genetic improvement is emerging as one of the keys to maintaining competitiveness, reducing costs, and adapting to climatic and logistical challenges.

* This article is an excerpt from a lengthy feature story that will be published in the next issue of Blue Magazine.