During the technical visit to blueberry fields in Olmos and various production areas around Trujillo, CASM Blueberries International Advisor Simón Muñoz assessed varietal performance and fruit quality, highlighting the strong performance of premium varieties and signs of lower activity in some open varieties.
The performance of blueberry orchards across Peru’s main production areas continues to show, in general terms, a favorable outlook for the season, although marked differences can be observed depending on the variety and the effects associated with weather conditions caused by El Niño.
This was observed by Simón Muñoz, International Advisor at CASM Blueberries, during a recent technical visit to fields located in Olmos and the areas surrounding Trujillo, including Paiján to the north, and San Jacinto and Virú to the south.
One of the main aspects identified during the field visits was the performance of premium varieties. “These varieties continue to stand out this season. We have not seen their productivity or performance affected by El Niño, at least that is not what we are seeing in the field,” Muñoz explained.
In contrast, the specialist has observed differences in some open varieties, including Ventura, Atlas, and Bianca. In these varieties, a lower fruit load and reduced bud break can be observed, associated with a decrease in the plants’ metabolic activity. According to Muñoz, weather conditions have slowed the development of these plants, resulting in fewer flowers being produced during the current period.
Good fruit quality and flavor
Despite the differences among varieties, the overall assessment of the season is positive. Muñoz particularly highlighted the quality parameters observed during the field visits. “Overall, the season looks good. So far, fruit quality has been very good; we have seen good size and very good flavor,” he said.
In particular, Olmos stands out for the organoleptic characteristics of the fruit observed during the visit. “Especially in the Olmos area, the fruit has very good flavor,” he added.
Overall, the technical field visits point to a season that, despite the climatic challenges, continues to show positive signs in terms of production and fruit quality, although responses vary depending on the variety and production area. For the advisor, the performance of premium varieties and fruit quality are, so far, among the main positive factors of the season.
