Andrés France, PhD in Plant Pathology from Cornell University, will be one of the featured experts participating in the 2nd International Specialization Course in Blueberry Production, organized by Consultora Agrícola y Comercial Santa María (CASM Blueberries).
The event will take place from March 17 to 19, 2026, in Lima, Peru, and will include two technical sessions at the Sheraton Lima Hotel and a Field Day at Qali Fruit, a subsidiary of Agrícola Cerro Prieto.
During his presentation, France will provide a detailed analysis of the main phytosanitary problems recorded during the last season, with special emphasis on the management of thrips and powdery mildew.
According to the specialist, disease incidence varies significantly depending on the production area. “In northern Peru, powdery mildew is the main sanitary problem. However, this disease has been spreading southward, reaching areas where it was not present last season,” he noted.
In the central region, particularly in La Libertad, rust continues to be one of the most predominant and widespread diseases, causing leaf loss, reduced plant vigor, and difficulties in control. In addition, a high incidence of the pathogen has been recorded.
France indicated that Botrytis remains a constant threat to the blueberry industry. However, he emphasized that, in general, it is well managed due to the sector’s strong concern about preventing the shipment of infected fruit, given the severe losses caused by fruit rot. “It is a disease that is always present, but today it is properly managed thanks to well-established control strategies,” he stated.
Wood Diseases and Pruning Wound
Another key topic that the expert will address concerns wood diseases, mainly associated with pruning wounds.
France emphasized that if these wounds are not protected immediately, the probability of infection increases considerably. “These diseases are present in all blueberry-producing areas of Peru, although their progress is more aggressive in the north, where high temperatures and greater plant stress reduce its defense capacity. In more benign climates, infection progresses more slowly, not because it does not exist, but because it takes longer to manifest,” he explained.
According to France, rust showed a higher incidence this season, although he clarified that this behavior is relative and largely depends on orchard management. “In orchards with good sanitary management, there have even been previous seasons worse than the current one,” he pointed out.
Prevention as the Core of Sanitary Managemen
For the specialist, prevention is essential in disease control. In the case of Botrytis, he stressed that preventive control is key and mandatory during flowering and fruit ripening.
Regarding rust, he indicated that control must begin very early, based on rigorous monitoring, which allows the detection of the first symptoms and the definition of the right time to intervene.
As for wood diseases, France was emphatic: “Prevention must be 100%. The goal is to prevent, by all means, the pathogen from entering the plant through pruning wounds.”
An Integrated Approach to Sanitary Management
“Management practices depend greatly on the orchard, its location, disease prevalence, and the varieties, since some are more susceptible than others,” said France.
He also stressed the importance of fertilization management, since high nitrogen levels favor disease development.
The expert also warned about the role of thrips in the spread of pathogens. “When feeding on leaves, they move spores within the orchard, especially when they are not well controlled, so they must be considered as part of an integrated sanitary management program.”
Monitoring and Early Control: Keys to Prevent Losses
France concluded by emphasizing that diseases do not occur spontaneously, but are closely linked to the presence of inoculum, environmental conditions, and growers’ management decisions.
“Starting disease control late means giving the pathogen an advantage. Monitoring, prevention, and early control are the best ways to keep the orchard healthy and free of problems,” he concluded.
Dr. Andrés France will be one of the speakers at the 2nd International Specialization Course in Blueberry Production
Secure your place at one of the most important events in the sector!
To purchase your ticket, contact:
Agustina Martínez: +569 7934 1964
