During July, Fernando Villagrán, International Advisor at CASM Blueberries, conducted a series of technical visits to blueberry production fields across Peru, where he assessed the current season, the main agronomic challenges, and the management strategies implemented by growers to cope with an especially demanding climatic scenario.
One of the most significant observations made in the field was the increase in temperatures, with records reaching nearly 3°C above what is considered a normal year, particularly in northern Peru, where current conditions have even been compared to those experienced in 1997.
Sekoya Pop, Mágica and Ventura: Three Varieties, Three Different Responses
Climatic conditions have generated different responses depending on the variety. In low-chill varieties such as Sekoya Pop, crop development has been favorable, with harvests progressing well and fruit reaching excellent size, exceeding 4 grams per berry.
In contrast, Mágica, whose production cycle is more strongly influenced by photoperiod, has shown a delay in the start of harvest. Nevertheless, fruit quality remains high, with excellent size and firmness.
The greatest challenge, however, has been observed in Ventura in northern Peru, where high temperatures have delayed the formation of productive flower buds.
“Despite this, the orchards managed by our growers generally show good bud differentiation, averaging two to three buds per cane. The challenge now is to achieve a uniform bud break through appropriate management strategies, primarily based on biostimulation programs and carefully controlled nitrogen applications,” explained Villagrán.
Solar Radiation: A Key Factor This Season
Another major factor shaping the current campaign has been the exceptionally high solar radiation recorded during May and June. In areas such as Ica, maximum levels reached approximately 900 W/m², while in Arequipa values climbed to as high as 1,200 W/m², causing significant dehydration and damage to productive buds, particularly on the sun-exposed side of the plants.
During his field visits, Villagrán observed clear differences between orchards that maintained sun-protection programs and those that discontinued them. In the former, damage was considerably lower, whereas in the latter, the cumulative effects of intense solar radiation on plant productivity had already become evident.
Increased Pressure from Pests and Diseases
Higher temperatures are also increasing pressure from pests and diseases. According to the advisor’s observations, growers should strengthen monitoring of thrips species such as Thrips and Scirtothrips, as well as diseases including powdery mildew across different production regions and rust, particularly in central Peru and the Trujillo area.
The technical visits carried out throughout July confirmed that Peru’s blueberry season will largely depend on growers’ ability to adapt their management programs to increasingly challenging climatic conditions. In this context, continuous orchard monitoring, timely decision-making, and the implementation of preventive management strategies will be essential to maintaining both production potential and fruit quality throughout the current season.
