Blueberry cultivation has experienced significant expansion in recent decades, both due to its nutritional appeal and its high value in international markets. However, this species is highly sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly high temperatures and water stress, making its agronomic management a growing challenge in the current context of climate change.

Water scarcity, coupled with growing consumer demands for quality and fierce international competition, requires a rethinking of the blueberry production model based on criteria of resilience, efficiency, and sustainability. In this context, the ability of crops to maintain fruit quality becomes a critical factor for the international competitiveness of Mexican producers.

Meeting in Guadalajara

Producers are increasingly faced with this challenge, which is why the program of the 36th International Seminar of Blueberries Consulting 2025, which will be held this year And May 28 29 in the halls of Hard Rock Hotel Guadalajara, this topic will be addressed from different angles, highlighting the presentations: “Use of calcium, boron and silicon in blueberries”, presented by the Chilean researcher Jorge Retamales; “Use of growth regulators in blueberries: Objectives and strategies”, presented by the Mexican researcher Daniel Diaz; and “Use of biocompounds for stress management in blueberries,” which will be presented by the president of the Mexican Society of Plant Nutrition AC, Prometheus Sanchez.

Quality and environment

Blueberry fruit quality is defined by a combination of sensory and physicochemical parameters such as color, firmness, flavor, size or caliber, uniformity, freshness, bloom, and nutritional content. These attributes determine the fruit's commercial value and its acceptance in destination markets. However, blueberries are particularly vulnerable to quality loss due to their morphology. Their thin, permeable cuticle is coated with easily removable waxes, making them susceptible to dehydration. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio promotes water loss, reducing firmness both pre- and postharvest, with more pronounced effects in some specific varieties.

Physiological effects of stress
Stress directly affects the metabolism of blueberry plants, interfering with essential processes such as photosynthesis, vegetative growth, and fruit formation. Research by David Bryla They have shown that a reduction in water availability decreases plant development and affects fruit quality, altering parameters such as sugar content, acidity, and firmness.
Likewise, other studies indicate that reducing irrigation to 50% of water requirements significantly reduces fruit size and yield per plant, although it increases the concentration of soluble solids. This effect, although considered favorable from a flavor perspective, does not compensate for losses in yield or other aspects of commercial quality. Even moderate stress during the final stages of fruit development and ripening has negative effects on diameter, weight, and overall productivity. Furthermore, it has been shown that postharvest stress can reduce flower bud formation for the following season, compromising the crop's productive potential in the medium term.

Programme

Stress management and mitigation are vital for crop productivity and healthy development, making it essential to move toward more resilient, sustainable, and technologically sophisticated production systems.

The Guadalajara meeting program addresses the most important topics affecting the industry, including commercial, market, technical, and agronomic issues. This topic is of great importance and will be addressed at various times during the two-day seminar. Only through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach will it be possible to sustain the competitiveness of Mexican blueberries in the global agricultural export market.

Participate in the International Blueberry Seminars most important, and be part of the World Blueberry Tour!

To learn about available sponsorships, visit the following link: XXXVI International Seminar Blueberries Mexico 2025

To purchase tickets click HERE