Despite the climatic impacts recorded across various production areas, the blueberry season in Europe is showing positive progress. This was noted by Simón Muñoz, international advisor at Consultora Agrícola y Comercial Santa María (CASM Blueberries), following visits to fields in Spain and Romania.
During his visit to Spain, Muñoz toured orchards in Huelva operated by Surexport, where the focus was on reviewing pruning strategies in highly productive varieties that are already well established in terms of fruit quality, such as Sekoya Pop. “Work was carried out on revising pruning guidelines, both for the training of new plants and for renewal pruning in mature plants, with the aim of maintaining productivity.”
Likewise, the advisor assessed the pruning of older varieties such as Opi, with the aim of restoring their productive potential. “At the same time, trial varieties were analyzed, such as the Mega varieties from the IQ breeding program. Therefore, fruit quality, productivity, and plant development were all evaluated,” he explained.
Romania: high productive potential and strong harvest projections
In Romania, Muñoz visited fields operated by Oltenia Pepiniere, located in Craiova, in the southern part of the country. In this area, he evaluated high-chill varieties from the Sekoya program, such as Sekoya Crunch, Sekoya Grande, and Sekoya Fiesta.
“The plants show favorable development despite the challenges originating from the nursery. We are satisfied with the results observed following the pruning work,” Muñoz noted.
In addition, agronomic management practices were reviewed in varieties such as Bluegold and Duke, highlighting their strong performance. The evaluation also included monitoring nutrition and biostimulation programs, which are key to preparing for the harvest, expected to begin in the second week of June.
Productive expansion and technical management in large-scale projects
The international advisor also visited fields operated by Agricrafters in the Oradea region. There, two orchards were reviewed, including one in Salonta, where a project is underway that is expected to exceed 1,300 hectares, with around 10% already planted.
According to Muñoz: “This project includes premium varieties from the Sekoya program and the Fall Creek Collection portfolio. Very good development is being observed. The plantings are established in pots; therefore, monitoring parameters, as well as adjustments to fertilization and biostimulation programs, were reviewed.”
In addition, the impact of recent frost events was assessed, with no damage detected. In this context, CASM provided management protocols to mitigate risks associated with future climatic contingencies.
Finally, in the Dumbrava area, older orchards were analyzed, where proper pruning management has made it possible to maintain high productivity levels. “An excellent plant response is observed, with very good flowering and harvest projections, which keeps growers optimistic,” Muñoz concluded.
