Correct testing and good use of data, two tools that are vital for the producer, will be addressed in depth by industry specialists at the international blueberry meeting to be held in Lima this 12 and 13 March.
Field trials are essential tools in agricultural research and in the development of new management techniques or knowledge for the sector. Their purpose for the producer is to evaluate the performance, suitability and effects of different crops, their varieties, the inputs applied and agricultural practices in real conditions, among other measurements.
A tireless researcher
Proper planning and execution of field trials is crucial for the validation of new technologies and practices in the agricultural sector. By considering key factors such as site selection, experimental design, use of appropriate materials, rigorous data collection and effective dissemination of results, valuable information can be obtained for decision-making in agricultural production.

With a methodical and scientific approach, field trials contribute significantly to the advancement of the fruit and vegetable sector and the application of this methodology to the pre-harvest and post-harvest stages is vital for the development of the fruit export industry.
This is the objective of the master class that the renowned researcher Claudia Moggia will give at the XXXIV International Blueberry Seminar, which will take place at the Lima Convention Center in March.
The professor from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Talca, Chile, has an extensive and prolific career, in which she has developed various research works regarding crops in their different varieties and behaviors, such as the use of different packaging for fruit in modified atmosphere or without it; measurements of the most suitable times and times of harvest; the level of impact of the different surfaces or materials on the fruit at the time of packaging; and the multiple edges that affect the firmness qualities required in the destination markets. Her studies have covered organic and conventional crops of different varieties of blueberries and produced in geographic regions with different soil and climate conditions.

key factors
The choice of the study site is a determining factor in the validity and applicability of the results. Another factor is the infrastructure and accessibility or availability of resources that facilitate the execution of the test (water, electricity, labor). Also the history of the land and information on previous crops, applied treatments and physicochemical characteristics of the soil. It is necessary to carry out soil tests, apply amendments and ensure effective control of weeds, pests and diseases before starting the test.
design and method
Before starting a field trial, it is essential to establish clear and measurable objectives. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). The influence of confounding factors, such as variations in soil and climate, should be minimised. To achieve this, different designs can be used, including: Complete randomised blocks; Factorial designs; or Split plots, which are suitable for studies with multiple variables. The correct distribution of plots, replication of treatments and frequency of observations are essential aspects of the design.
Field trials require the use of appropriate materials and methodologies to obtain reliable results. Study material (crop, variety, input) must be selected and must be of high quality, uniform and appropriate for the site and season. Good agronomic practices must be followed to ensure the consistency and replicability of the trial. Traceability of procedures must be recorded and documented to ensure the reliability of the data obtained.

Good use of data
To evaluate the performance of a field trial, it is essential to collect relevant data and analyze it in a rigorous manner. Attention must be paid to the measurement variables. Then, data interpretation using descriptive and inferential statistics allows valid conclusions to be drawn. Verifying the validity and reliability of the data is crucial to avoid bias in the results.
“The importance of the design and analysis of field and post-harvest trials: challenges and opportunities for R&D&I” is the title of the presentation with which Claudia Moggia will participate in the XXXIV International Blueberry Seminar from Lima, where she will share her vast and varied experience as a researcher, emphasizing the professionalization of the relationship between the producer and the field, based on the correct planning and analysis of field trials, and the good use of the data obtained.

To purchase your tickets click here HERE

To find out about available sponsorships, click here HERE