Blueberry Cracking

Bob Larson

From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

As blueberries approach ripening in early summer, growers are watching weather patterns closely.

Rain events during this period have become less predictable, increasing the risk of splitting.

I asked Thiago Moraes, North America Sales Manager for Cultiva, what’s happening in blueberries during this stage that makes them vulnerable to environmental stress?

• Blueberries thin skin makes them vulnerable to many external stresses.

• As fruit ripens, the skin becomes less elastic and is not able to expand to accommodate water uptake.

• Rapid water uptake from rain increases internal pressure, especially during the final swell before

harvest.

• Even light rainfall can trigger splitting under the right conditions.

So, Thiago, why is maintaining blueberry quality so critical?

• Fresh market blueberries depend heavily on appearance and firmness.

• Splitting and cracking in blueberries often result in losses of hundreds of dollars per acre.

• Reducing cracking and increasing firmness of fruit results in more marketable blueberries with a stronger shelf life.

And what can growers do heading into this window?

• Focus on building a stronger, more resilient cuticle before rain events occur.

• Parka® strengthens the fruit’s natural cuticle to protect against environmental stresses.

• Its residue-free formula forms a hydrophobic elastic lipid bilayer that repels surface moisture, reduces water loss and limits microfractures — helping maintain fruit firmness, extend shelf life and maximize marketable yields.

Thanks Thiago. Visit cultiva.com or contact your local Cultiva sales rep.