Research into the use of bioregulators in blueberries

Argentina has more than 30 years of experience in blueberry cultivation and a production area covering around 2.100 hectares spread across several regions. Entre Ríos, in particular, has established itself as a strategic point thanks to its early harvest, which begins in July.
Fernanda Rivadeneira, a specialist at INTA Concordia, explained that, in order to remain competitive in international markets, "it is crucial to find strategies to ensure the quality of the fruit, both in terms of flavour and size and nutritional value."
Regarding the implementation of technologies that optimize the quality of blueberries and increase their yields, the specialist indicated that INTA Concordia is studying the effects of using bioregulators on the ripening and quality of these fruits.
"Bioregulators are compounds that, when applied in low concentrations, can imitate or modify plant hormones that regulate plant growth and development. Although they are not essential for the life of the plant, their use can significantly influence aspects such as the size, weight and harvest period of the fruits," he said.
"At INTA, we are studying the effects of bioregulators such as ethylene, cytokinins and auxins, both those produced by the plant and those applied externally. The objective is to determine how these compounds affect the ripening, firmness, size and nutritional value of the blueberry fruit," explained Rivadeneira.
Regarding the challenges presented by this research, the specialist indicated that the effectiveness of bioregulators can vary depending on the variety of blueberry and the region of cultivation. “In Argentina, trials are being carried out with the Snowchaser and Emerald varieties, recognized for their high yield and quality,” she indicated, adding: “The first results indicate the presence of internal bioregulators acting in the different stages of growth and ripening of the fruit. In turn, applications of these bioregulators modified the levels of some key metabolites such as sugars, organic acids and amino acids, which are decisive for the flavor and quality of the fruit.”
This study is carried out within the framework of a doctoral thesis and focuses on investigating how bioregulators can modify fruit ripening times. "This research will allow producers to apply differential management strategies for each variety, thus adapting to the conditions of export and storage of the fruit," he said.
On the other hand, Rivadeneira emphasized that "the ultimate goal of this study is to provide valuable information for both researchers and producers, allowing for the optimization of the use of bioregulators in blueberry production." This not only seeks to improve the quality of the fruit, but also to make the harvesting process more efficient, increasing the size of the blueberry, which is a highly valued characteristic in international markets.
"The findings of this research are essential to obtain a more competitive fruit in terms of quality and sustainability. In addition, they will contribute to expanding knowledge on the role of bioregulators in fruit physiology, an area that is still being explored in the field of plant biochemistry," he concluded.
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