Producing heavier fruit capable of maintaining its condition during transit is one of the main objectives of blueberry production. A trial conducted on cv. Mágica blueberries showed positive results on both fronts after Bio Life Rhizo was incorporated into the farm’s standard management program.
Developed by AMT, Bio Life Rhizo combines microorganisms from the genera Trichoderma and Bacillus. The evaluation was conducted in a commercial orchard in Olmos, Lambayeque Region, and compared the conventional program with the same management program supplemented with two applications through the irrigation system, six weeks apart.
The protocol included four replicates with five plants per replicate. Plant development and nutritional status were assessed at harvest, along with fruit performance after 23 and 50 days of refrigerated storage.
Greater fruit weight with only two applications
The most visible result was observed at harvest. Fruit treated with Bio Life Rhizo reached an average weight of 4.23 grams, compared with 3.96 grams in the control. This statistically significant difference represents a 6.9% increase in individual fruit weight.
Polar diameter also increased from 10.70 to 11.20 millimeters, a significant improvement of 4.7%, while equatorial diameter remained stable. Together, these results indicate a favorable effect on berry development and fruit filling.
The trial did not measure cumulative yield per hectare. However, in a crop where every gram contributes to harvested volume and fruit size influences commercial returns, the increase in individual fruit weight achieved with only two applications is a relevant indicator of yield potential.
Potassium: a response consistent with fruit filling
Plants treated with Bio Life Rhizo reached a leaf potassium concentration of 0.77%, compared with 0.67% under the conventional program—a significant increase of 15.8%.
Potassium plays a role in osmotic regulation, sugar transport and fruit filling. Its higher concentration is physiologically consistent with the increase in fruit weight and polar diameter. Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium remained stable, with no evidence of imbalances among the macronutrients evaluated.
Firmness to withstand the journey
The benefits extended beyond harvest. After 23 days of refrigerated storage, treated fruit recorded 78.85 Shore units, compared with 75.38 in the control. This significant 4.6% improvement was observed during an important stage for transit and commercial handling.
After 50 days, treated fruit reached 74.42 Shore units, compared with 72.24 in the control, maintaining a numerical advantage of 3%, although the difference was not statistically significant. The main effect was concentrated in the initial postharvest period, when firmer fruit may be better able to withstand the logistics process.
Results that support commercial value
Las mejoras se obtuvieron manteniendo estables otros indicadores relevantes. Los sólidos solubles alcanzaron 12,81 °Brix con Bio These improvements were achieved while other relevant indicators remained stable. Soluble solids reached 12.81 °Brix with Bio Life Rhizo and 12.90 °Brix in the control. No significant changes were observed in acidity or maturity index.
Exportable fruit reached 98.8% with Bio Life Rhizo and 98.0% with the conventional program, considering the standard and premium categories combined. After 50 days of storage, fruit from both treatments remained within commercial categories.
The results show a comprehensive response: heavier fruit, higher leaf potassium levels and an advantage in firmness during the initial storage period, which was maintained numerically through day 50, without affecting flavor, maturity or export suitability. According to AMT, the trial supports the use of Bio Life Rhizo as a complementary tool to strengthen the yield and commercial potential of blueberries.
Contact:
info@marineterra.com
