Quality is the differentiating aspect of the fruit that is most demanded in the industry and the global market, and at the same time it is the most relative aspect that exists, because determined by the consumerTherefore, it is what he demands, it is his desire, what he wants, what he pays for, and this desire may be associated with firmness, size, aroma, flavor, presentation, or many other objective factors. and subjective that, separately or related to each other, cause a pleasant experience when acquiring and / or consuming the fruit.

Many qualities

For consumers in some regions the first quality standard is caliber, in others it is flavor, turgor, or sweetness. In the case of the seller, quality is associated with the fruit that has the optimal condition that allows it to last the longest time on the shelf, maintaining the best firmness and flavor conditions. The clear thing is that soft fruit is not attractive to anyone. The small size, excess acidity and even lack of flavor can be tolerated, but the soft fruit with an unpleasant taste is immediately rejected by all the consumers of the world.

When or how is quality defined?

There are two fields where you define the fruit quality and these correspond to the genetic and non-genetic factors related to the crop. In the case of the first aspect, the varieties are mainly located, those that may have the characteristic of being sweet or acidic by nature, and that despite the fact that we can apply the most advanced handling techniques, technology or applications, will not improve or vary. mostly in this parameter.

In the case of non-genetic aspects, there are a multiplicity of factors that directly and indirectly affect, such as the technique and the appropriate management in pruning, nutrition, irrigation and pollination, among others.

Technique is the secret

In this field, the use of a proper technique can influence to get a greater firmness of the pulp, which is one of the main requirements for acceptance in the market. The crispness or turgor of the fruit when consuming it can be achieved despite the genetics of the plant, by applying a correct handling technique.

In the case of size or gauge Advantageous results can also be achieved by applying the appropriate management, since in this case the number of seeds influences, because the more the number of them, the more gibberellins are produced, which contributes to the growth of the fruit. The root factor, adequate irrigation and the management of electrical conductivity, among others, also have an influence, so pollination, good pruning management and proper plant nutrition are essential.

A week of abundant technical information

In the days corresponding to Tuesday 17 and Thursday 19 August, in the context of "International Blueberry Month", these issues will be addressed specifically and in depth by international experts, Keanu Martin, from South Africa; Enrique Guzman Tellez, from Mexico; Jorge Retamales, From Chile; and Heiner Goldbach, from Germany, who will give talks on nutritional aspects to optimize the yield and quality of the fruit, the role of mycorrhizae under different soil and substrate conditions. They will also address pollination in its different variants and the best strategies to increase the caliber in blueberries.

To participate in these talks and in the entire extensive program of the International Blueberry Month 2021, you must enter ...