The management of blueberry crops, produced from the perspective of the export industry and the high demands of the market and consumers, is complex. Industrial production is increasingly dynamic, changing and highly specialized. It is not only about being productive and harvesting large volumes, but also about delivering a high-quality product, at the level of the high standards demanded by the end consumer anywhere in the world.
The right variety, the right soil or the right substrate are the foundation, then the health of the crop and the necessary nutrition are essential in field management. Finally, we move on to the harvesting process and the concern for the kilos, the size, the flavor, the firmness of the fruit and the harvest and post-harvest logistics suitable to withstand the long journey to the destination markets.

Visual aspect
Among all these tasks, there are various aspects that the producer must be aware of in order to obtain a quality product that allows for good economic returns. Among these is the concern for the skin of the fruit, a vital aspect because the first consumer acceptance is due to its visual appearance.
This topic is of great interest to the export industry and will be addressed in depth by the renowned researcher and academic, Bruno Defilippi, in his talk: “Disorders and alterations of the skin in fruits”, which he will give at the XXXIV International Blueberry Seminar, which will be held at the Lima Convention Center this 12 and 13 March.

Various factors
Blueberry fruits can present various alterations in their skin due to environmental, genetic, physiological and/or pathological factors. These alterations affect their quality, commercial value and post-harvest life. These can be caused by environmental factors, since changes in climatic conditions can cause alterations such as sunburn, the appearance of discolored spots on the skin of the fruit, cracking, browning, etc.; by genetic or physiological factors, nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances during ripening, as well as by the presence of pests or diseases.
Harvest and post-harvest
The skin of the blueberry can also be damaged during harvest handling, transportation and post-harvest storage, such as heat damage, bruising, loss of turgor or cold damage, among others.

Skin disorders in fruits can reduce their quality and market acceptance. To minimize these problems, it is essential to apply good agricultural practices, control climatic and storage conditions, and monitor the presence of pests and diseases. Research and selection of resistant varieties also play a key role in preventing these disorders. This is the focus of the talk “Disorders and skin disorders in fruits”, by professor and international consultant, Bruno Defilippi, which will be given on the first day of the Lima meeting.

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