Higher yields, improved fruit quality, and resistance to pests, diseases, and climate stress. These are the attributes the blueberry industry seeks through new genetic material that enables resource optimization and enhanced productivity.
¿But how is this genetics developed? ¿What different breeding programs currently exist? What technologies are being used today, and what is their impact on the supply chain and consumers?
These and other questions will be addressed by Dr. Patricio Muñoz, professor and specialist in blueberry breeding and Director of the Horticultural Crop Breeding Chair at the University of Florida (USA), during the 2nd International Specialization Course in Blueberry Production, organized by Consultora Agrícola y Comercial Santa María (CASM Blueberries).
A key meeting for the blueberry industry
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, as well as a Field Day at Qali Fruit, a subsidiary of Agrícola Cerro Prieto.
According to the academic, who this year marks 10 years leading the blueberry breeding area at the university, his presentation will focus on the importance of genetic improvement for growers and the development of new varieties.
“We will discuss tools from quantitative genetics, modeling, predictive breeding, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and marker-assisted selection,” Muñoz explained.
The specialist noted that topics such as genomic selection or genomic prediction will also be addressed. These involve the use of molecular markers at the genomic level, as well as gene editing and its potential impact on varietal improvement. This is complemented by the use of technologies such as robotics, sensors, and drones, which are becoming increasingly relevant in applied research.
Muñoz detailed that, at a global level, the most widely used methodology remains traditional: “It consists of establishing plants in the field, observing their performance, and quantifying their traits. As the plants progress through different stages, more information is collected, so that when a variety is released, a large amount of data is available.”
This approach, he explained, is not exclusive to blueberries but is common across many species worldwide. However, more advanced methods incorporate breeding values, combining field evaluation with advanced statistical tools.
According to Muñoz, an additional step is marker-assisted selection, which makes it possible to identify associations between a genetic marker and a specific fruit trait—such as size—without the need to wait for phenotypic evaluation in the field.
Genomic selection, gene editing, and new tools
An even more advanced level corresponds to genomic selection or genomic prediction, where markers distributed across the entire plant genome are used.
“With these data, we can generate prediction models to estimate the future performance of plants or their offspring in the field, and thus decide which ones will be used in crosses,” the researcher explained.
“This is complemented by laboratory work, which includes techniques such as genome duplication and gene editing. The latter is aimed at identifying and modifying genes responsible for key traits, with the goal of responding to the demands of consumers and the supply chain,” he noted.
Finally, Muñoz highlighted the role of field technologies, such as the use of sensors, drones, photography, and video, which make it possible to obtain data with greater precision. “All this information is integrated with Artificial Intelligence, which transforms these inputs into data and then into useful information for decision-making. In our laboratory, we use all of these tools. While many breeding programs continue to work with basic methodologies, ours is one of the most advanced in the world, not only in blueberries.”
The academic emphasized that what truly matters is not only knowing these technologies, but understanding when and how to use them strategically to develop products that have a positive impact on the industry.
Dr. Patricio Muñoz will be one of the speakers at the 2nd International Specialization Course in Blueberry Production. Secure your spot at one of the most important events in the sector!
To purchase your ticket, contact:
Agustina Martínez: +569 7934 1964
amartinez@casmblueberries.com
