Jorge Retamales: “Blueberry firmness isn't defined solely in the field”

Steadiness and track record

Jorge Retamales: “The firmness of the blueberry is not defined solely in the field”

During the 39th International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026, the international researcher and consultant analyzed the factors that explain the loss of firmness in blueberries between the field and their destination. His participation also coincided with a tribute to his scientific career and his contribution to the development of blueberry cultivation.

15/04/2026

Jorge Retamales XXXIX International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026 © Blueberries Consulting

In the industry blueberryFirmness remains one of the most crucial attributes for commercial success. However, its behavior is neither linear nor easily predictable. This was explained as follows: Jorge RetamalesDuring the seminar, he addressed why a firm fruit in the field will not necessarily retain that condition when it reaches the consumer.

From their perspective, the final condition of the fruit is the result of a complex interaction between physiology, environment, and management. Variables such as post-harvest water loss or the limited mobility of calcium to the fruit ultimately determine the quality that reaches the market.

—What is the relationship between the firmness of the fruit in the field and at its destination?

An attempt has been made to establish a relationship, but this is not necessarily the case. The fact that a fruit is firm in the field does not guarantee that it will be firm at its destination, because firmness depends on many factors.

—What variables can affect that firmness during the process?

For example, water loss. If the fruit loses about 1,5% of its water content, it quickly begins to lose firmness. This can occur due to high temperatures or problems with relative humidity management during storage.

—So, is it difficult to predict the fruit's behavior?

Exactly. There are many variables involved, so it's difficult to guarantee that fruit with good firmness at harvest will reach the consumer in the same condition.

—What role does calcium play in the firmness of blueberries?

Calcium moves mainly by transpiration and, since leaves transpire more than fruits, most of the calcium goes towards them and not towards the fruit.

—How does this influence the development of the fruit?

As the fruit develops, a waxy layer, or bloom, forms, blocking the pores through which it transpires. This further limits the movement of calcium into the fruit, which can affect its final firmness.

—What recommendations would you give to producers in this scenario?

There are three key components: genetics, environment, and management. The grower's main influence lies in variety selection and management. It's important to adjust practices such as pruning, nutrition, and irrigation for each variety, as they don't all respond in the same way.

—Is it possible to apply a standard management approach to all varieties?

No. That's precisely why they're called varieties: they have different responses. Management must be adapted to each one to achieve better results in fruit quality.

Jorge Retamales on the panel “Importance of integrated agronomic management: light, plant nutrition and biostimulation in blueberries © Blueberries Consulting

A long-term technical perspective

Retamales' reflection introduces a key nuance into the technical discussion of blueberryFirmness is not a static attribute, but a dynamic outcome that is built up—and can also be lost—throughout the entire supply chain. In this process, the fruit's physiology imposes certain structural limits, while external factors, such as dehydration, can rapidly deteriorate the initial condition.

In a scenario where markets are increasingly distant and quality demands continue to rise, understanding that transition between field and destination becomes one of the most critical keys to competitiveness.

Tribute to a career

Jorge Retamales participated in the 39th International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026 as part of the main hall's technical program, on the panel "Importance of Integrated Agronomic Management: Light, Plant Nutrition, and Biostimulation in Blueberries," on March 11. In this context, his presence provided an expert perspective on one of the most critical attributes for the industry: fruit firmness. blueberry and its behavior between field and destination.

That same technical perspective gave special meaning to the tribute that Blueberries Consulting paid him during the meeting, in recognition of his scientific career and his contribution to the global development of the crop. blueberryMore than a mere formality, the recognition highlighted decades of work in applied research, knowledge transfer, and the training of professionals.

The industry recognized him not only as a leading researcher, but also as someone capable of connecting science with the concrete challenges of the production sector. Beyond his academic achievements, his approachability, his generosity in sharing knowledge, and his sustained contribution to building a long-term technical vision for the crop were all highlighted.