Genetics: Impact and usefulness in the production of blueberries
The arrival of a new season in the cranberry industry poses a series of challenges that producers must overcome in the best possible way. Issues related to the choice of variety, climatic conditions as well as national and international markets are determining factors for the success of one of the fastest growing businesses of the last decade.
Faced with this scenario, genetics has become the scientific branch in which the global agri-food industry has found greater support, since it has been able to take advantage of endless techniques and innovative processes that have made it possible to correct some of the most common obstacles in the production of food.
And if we talk about blueberries, what has been the genetic improvement in the production of high bush berries in the world? This is precisely one of the approaches that the Dr. Chad Finn will expose in this new edition of international seminars that will offer Blueberries Consulting in the city of Madrid, Spain next October 30.
The prestigious geneticist researcher of the Department of Agriculture of the United States (USDA, for its acronym in English) will develop his paper on the topics of genetic improvement in blueberry bush, who is doing it and what are the challenges and purposes of a public program to improve the fruit.
Finn has been at the forefront of important studies conducted by the USDA. One of the most recent is related to the development of new varieties of berries for the commercial industry worldwide. Among the objectives of this research, published in June of this year, highlights the expansion of germplasm available for plant crops through the collection of wild species of Rubus, Vaccinium y Fragaria. This material is then evaluated and incorporated into the advanced breeding material.
The XIII International Seminar of Blueberries Consulting will also have the participation of the Dr. James Hancock, professor emeritus of the Department of Horticulture of the University of Michigan, United States, who will delve into the genetic improvement of blueberries in the world.
The specialist will make a detailed analysis of the advances, difficulties and opportunities in this area, based on recent studies and research developed by the institution he represents. The intention is to generate debate with the attendees and clarify their concerns about the subject.
The expert's experience has led him to work on projects related to genetics in berries, as well as the assisted selection of reproductive markers and environmental biosecurity of transgenic crops.
The most recent
More and more blueberry companies are investing large sums of money in genetics programs for the production of new and better varieties of this fruit.
The demand for a fresh product, which meets strict quality standards, has made the business turn more towards that path, taking into account that climate changes and long export trips are part of the new challenges.
In the last two years, new varieties of blueberries have been introduced worldwide, many of which had been studied for more than a decade. New types of the fruit, baptized as Titanium and MegasBlue have greater resistance to dry climates, in addition to being able to withstand longer transfers. Eureka is another variety studied, standing out for its enormous size, flavor and shelf life.
Chile is not lagging behind on this issue, which is why scientists and researchers in this area have remained at the forefront to make contributions related to the development of new varieties, which are still in the study stage.
On this, researchers like Dr. Marina Gambardella, specialist in Biotechnology of the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Sciences of the Catholic University, confirm that creating new varieties of some fruit can take between 10 and 14 years.
In short, genetic improvement has become the necessary formula to maintain a high level of quality and cope with competition, which has been increasing along with the demands of consumers.
Incorporate new varieties of blueberries in the market would, according to the view of the experts, an increase in the profitability of crops. Also, it would be talking about the reduction of crop costs, the increase in yields, more productive post-harvest and a much more optimal consumption experience.
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