Blueberry cultivation has experienced sustained growth in recent years due to high market demand and its nutritional value. However, to maximize fruit quality, increase size, improve firmness, and optimize production, growers are increasingly turning to the use of growth regulators (GRs). These hormonal products, when applied appropriately, can significantly influence the vegetative and reproductive development of the bush, allowing for more precise management of crop characteristics.

Meeting in Trujillo

At the 37th International Blueberry Seminar what will be done this 9 & 10 of July at the Hotel Costa del Sol Wyndham Trujillo Golf, this topic will be addressed from different perspectives with the most important researchers and speakers of the international industry, such as the Mexican Daniel Diaz, a plant physiology specialist at the University of Michigan, who will present his talk “Using growth regulators to improve firmness and size in blueberries.”

From another perspective, the growth and productivity of the plant will also be addressed in the talk "How phytohormones regulate the growth, flowering and fruiting of blueberries", by the specialist from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Chile, Thomas Fichet.

Expert Panel

As a corollary, and bringing together the various factors related to crop growth, fruit firmness, good quality and condition for long journeys to the world market, the "Panel discussion: Strategies to achieve firm fruit, good size and post-harvest behavior" will be held, in which the international specialist and consultant will participate, Juan Hirzel; the director of the Department of Agricultural Production of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Chile, Reinaldo CamposProfessor Thomas Fichet and specialist Daniel Díaz will elaborate on the related topics and address any questions attendees may have in the panel's numerous questions.

Size and caliber

Increasing fruit size and caliber is one of the main objectives of growth regulators, which is highly valued in the market, especially in the premium market, which is increasingly in international demand. Regulators can stimulate cell growth and fruit expansion, contributing to achieving desirable calibers.

Firmness and quality

Improving fruit firmness and quality is essential to reducing losses during harvest and transportation. Some regulators strengthen cell walls and delay ripening, helping to maintain blueberry quality at later stages.

Vegetative growth control

On the other hand, in the area of ​​vegetative growth control and flowering stimulation, managing vegetative vigor is crucial to facilitate pruning, improve sun exposure, and reduce competition between shoots. CRs can regulate plant size and promote more uniform flowering.

In the field of fruit production efficiency, the strategic use of regulators can improve fruit load distribution, reduce premature drop, and increase productivity per plant, optimizing economic performance.

Selection and application

Finally, in the field of appropriate regulator selection and timing, it depends on the specific objective.

Regarding the timing of application, it should coincide with specific stages of the phenological cycle, such as before flowering, to stimulate the formation of flower buds; during the fruit growth stage, to enhance its size and firmness; and during ripening stages, to accelerate or standardize the harvest.

efectos secundarios

Correct dosage is key to avoiding adverse effects such as deformities, excessive growth, or delayed ripening. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and conduct tests under controlled conditions before applying on a large scale.

Furthermore, the use of regulators should be integrated with cultural practices such as pruning, fertilization, and irrigation management. Training pruning and removal of unproductive shoots combined with regulator applications allows for more even growth distribution and larger fruit size.

The topic is extensive and fraught with details, such as the side effects that improper use can cause, leading to deformations, delayed ripening, or reduced fruit firmness. Therefore, trials in small plots are required to determine the optimal doses and timing.

Strategic theme

In conclusion, the use of growth regulators in blueberries is an effective tool for improving quality attributes such as size, firmness, and uniformity, facilitating more efficient and competitive production. The key is selecting the right product at the right time, with precise doses and under controlled conditions, integrating it with the crop's cultural practices.

The correct application of these strategies can result in higher-value fruits, better market acceptance, and increased profitability of blueberry cultivation. The talks and knowledge sharing by the specialists scheduled for the event are focused on this perspective. Seminar on July 9 and 10, so the topic is of great interest to producers and to the different actors in the industry in general.

Participate in the International Blueberry Seminars most important, and be part of the World Blueberry Tour!

To participate and learn more details about the XXXVII Trujillo Seminar, Peru 2025 enter the following link: XXXVII International Seminar Blueberries Trujillo 2025

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