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Fresh fruit from northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) are highly perishable, so reaching distant markets while maintaining superior quality and value is a challenge. Although firmness is one of the most critical traits of blueberries (Vaccinium sp.), most of the industry relies on a subjective-tactile assessment or on the use of low-cost texture analyzers, whereas scientists tend to rely on the FirmTech II instrument. In the present study, the FirmTech II was evaluated as a texture analyzer and compared with tactile estimation, two other FirmTech II devices, and three relatively inexpensive durometers (Penefel, Durofel, and DM1600). Tests were run for fruit previously segregated by tactile (T) measurements into three classes of firmness: Soft-T, Moderate-T, and Firm-T; fruit were classified into instrument-based (I) categories of texture: Soft-I, Moderate-I, and Firm-I using the FirmTech II instrument. The level of coincidence between T and I assessments were higher in the soft (90.7% to 92.6%) and moderate (69.6% to 78.2%) classes compared with the firm class (51.6% to 61.4%). Among firmness categories, T and I assessments tended to agree; none of the Soft-T fruit were classed as Firm-I. In comparisons between equivalently calibrated FirmTech II devices, concordance always decreased as fruit firmness increased, indicating that more reproducible readings for a given instrument could be expected from softer fruit. Dual measurements on a single fruit for FirmTech II and a second device yielded variable, but significant correlation coefficients (Penefel: r2 = 0.61 to 0.67; Durofel: r2 = 0.48 to 0.61; DM1600: r2 = 0.08 to 0.49). The highest correlation existed between two FirmTech II devices (r2 = 0.94 to 0.95). However, correlations between the FirmTech II and second devices among the three firmness classes yielded very low correlation coefficients (Penefel: r2 = 0.09 to 0.40; Durofel: r2 = 0.05 to 0.32; DM1600: r2 = 0.00 to 0.25; FirmTech II: 0.03 to 0.33), suggesting that although all instruments were suitable for evaluating across broad ranges of fruit firmness, they were all similarly unsuitable within a narrow firmness range (e.g., for all soft or all firm fruit). Given the subjectivity of the tactile measurement and the range of variability between the evaluated alternatives, both FirmTech II and Penefel performed better in soft fruit but not as well in moderate or firm fruit. Therefore, among the more economical durometer devices, Penefel could be used by the industry to discriminate soft fruit from moderately firm or firm fruit. The results highlight the relevance of studying the predictive capacity of a particular instrument and to understand the performance of that instrument within a particular range of firmness values.

Fruit export is an important economic activity for Chile. Therefore, high productivity and quality fruit is a must in order to succeed in the business. A 6-year project was carried out to assess apple cultivars (‘Galaxy’, ‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Super Chief’, ‘Fuji Raku Raku’, ‘Braeburn’, ‘Granny Smith’, and ‘Cripps Pink’) and rootstock’s (M.M.106 and M.9 EMLA) performance across different Chilean apple-growing areas (Graneros, San Clemente, Chillan, Angol, and Temuco). Fruit maturity (firmness, soluble solids, starch degradation, internal ethylene concentration, and skin color) pre-and-postharvest was assessed weekly starting one-month prior harvest and monthly postharvest during years 4, 5, and 6 of the trial. Physiological disorders were also evaluated monthly for 6 months in RA (0-1oC, >95% RH) storage. Based on bioclimatic variables, growing sites showed a clear distribution pattern on all principal component analyses, and it was more relevant than the growing season. In general, red skin color of most cultivars increased in sites towards the south of the country (cooler), regardless of the rootstock. Overall fruit firmness increased towards the southern sites in some cultivars, although not always statistically different. The highest softening rates pre-harvest were observed in ‘Galaxy’ and ‘Brookfield®Gala’. In ‘Galaxy’, the lowest softening rate was observed in Temuco (coolest site). Brookfield®Gala’ and ‘Galaxy’ apples grown in warmer sites (San Clemente and Angol) showed a sharper increase in internal ethylene concentration (IEC) than cooler sites (Temuco and Chillan) earlier in the season. Fruit quality and condition postharvest is also discussed.

The role of fruit scar on water loss from fresh harvested, fully blue highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fruit was studied on three germplasm lines from each of three half-sib families at University of Talca, Chile. The stem scar of half of the harvested fruit was sealed using nail polish and weight loss of sealed and non-sealed fruit determined daily at 20 °C (5 d storage) and bi-weekly at 0 °C (15 d storage). Fruit firmness was determined at the end of the storage period. The stem scar accounted for approximately 40% of the moisture lost at 20 °C, but percentages varied considerably between lines. While the stem scar covered 0.19% to 0.74% of the fruit surface area, its rate of transpiration was 170-times higher than for the cuticle at 20 °C. The larger the fruit scar area, the greater was the absolute rate of water loss, but scar size scar did not affect the rate of weight loss expressed on a per gram fruit basis. Higher levels of water loss were associated with a greater loss in firmness; fruit having a large scar had a greater rate of water loss and were less firm than those having medium or small scars. The water permeance of the fruit cuticle varied two-fold and the apparent permeance of the scar varied three-fold among the 9 lines evaluated when held at 20 °C. Interestingly, one line exhibited a 75% lower rate of water loss from its stem scar than the other lines than would be predicted based on its scar diameter. Storage at 0 °C reduced the rate of water loss by 90% but the cuticle permeance was not affected by temperature. Sealing the stem scar increased fruit firmness retention at 0 °C and 20 °C, but provided less benefit at 0 °C vs. 20 °C. The highly variable nature of water loss through the stem scar and the cuticle in this study suggests that large gains in reductions in water loss are possible for the highbush blueberry once the mechanisms for transpiration are better understood. In Chile, this work was supported by the National Commission for Scientific and Technological ResearchCONICYT (FONDECYT11130539) and the Universidad de Talca (research programs “Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change (A2C2)”, “Fondo Proyectos de Investigación” and “Núcleo Científico Multidisciplinario”). In the United States this work was partially supported by the “2015 Fulbright Specialist Program”, Project 6365. In Spain this work was partially supported by “Fundación Carolina” and “Programa de Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria”, Universitat de Lleida.

Development of internal flesh browning (IB) of ‘Cripp’s Pink’ (Pink Lady™) apples was studied over 6 years (2004–2011), on stored fruit coming from different orchards. The aim was to determine the effect of geographical location, climatic condition and fruit maturity on incidence of IB in the most important production regions of Chile. Geographical and climatic conditions were based on latitude, longitude, altitude, growing-degree-days (GDD), growing-degree-hours (GDH) and days after full bloom (DAFB). Maturity indexes included flesh firmness, starch index, soluble solids, background and red skin color. Fruits were stored at 0–1 °C for 5 months and IB incidence evaluated after removal plus 7–10 days at 18 °C. The disorder was classified as radial, diffuse or mixed IB. Data were analyzed through ANOVA, principal components analysis (PCA) and logistic regression analysis. Results showed that radial and diffuse IB can appear within the same orchard, and both symptoms may be combined within a fruit (mixed IB), which has not been reported. The different ranges of diffuse, radial and mixed IB found after storage were highly influenced by preharvest conditions (geographic/climatic and maturity variables). Although the three types of IB were found to increase with extended harvests, which were associated with advanced maturity, relative strength of the models to predict IB were higher for radial and mixed IB (Max-rescaled R 2 = 0.466 and 0.404, respectively), but less effective for diffuse IB (Max-rescaled R 2 = 0.117). Data from 6 years suggest that radial IB could best be explained by GDH and firmness at harvest; diffuse IB could be accounted for by GDH and background color at harvest, whereas for mixed IB the most meaningful variables would be DAFB and background color.

For blueberry, harvest readiness is based on skin color, with fruit being considered ready to pick when the berry skin reaches 100 % blue coverage. The extended bloom period for the blueberry inflorescence and uneven developmental rates, yield 100 % blue fruit that often vary widely in physiological maturity at any given harvest date. The objective of this study was to determine the inherent variability in the firmness of a synchronized cohort of blueberry fruit and the effects of harvest delay and position within the canopy on fruit characteristics at harvest and after refrigerated storage. During two seasons, regions of the canopy of 'Duke' and 'Brigitta' plants were designated as east (E) and west (W) sides. Fruit of a specific developmental stage from each side were either harvested when reaching 100 % blue coverage (ripe fruit: B100) or allowed to stay on the plant for six additional days (over-ripe fruit: B100+6). Despite the narrow period of time elapsed between harvests of ripe and over-ripe fruit, variation in firmness was extensive, with drops up to 24 %, depending on year and cultivar. The six days of additional development were enough to increase the amount of soft and very soft fruit at harvest and after storage, demonstrating the importance of frequent harvests to improve firmness at final destinations. Both the percentage of blue fruit at each harvest date and total fruit produced were higher on the E side of the plant. Year-to-year variation in firmness exceeded that caused by the imposed treatment, which highlights the need to understand the environmental factors contributing to fruit softening. This is the first report on in-plant fruit variability for blueberry and its effect on postharvest performance. We truly thank AMS Family S.A. (Curicó, Chile), especially to Mr. Críspolo Gutiérrez and Mr. José Salinas, for providing field plots, technical assistance, fruit samples, and constant support. In Chile, this work was funded by the National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research CONICYT (FONDECYT 11130539) and Universidad de Talca (research programs “Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change (A2C2)”, “Fondo Proyectos de Investigación” and “Núcleo Científico Multidisciplinario”). In Spain this work was partially supported by Fundación Carolina and Universitat de Lleida (“Programa de Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria”).

Fresh Chilean blueberries take in average 20-50 days to reach overseas markets, so a better knowledge of their postharvest behavior would help maintaining their quality for longer periods. Quality of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Duke’ and ‘Brigitta’) was assessed at six stages based on color: 100% green (100G), 75% green + 25% pink (25P), 50% green + 50% pink (50P), 25% green + 75% pinkblue (75B), 90-100% blue (100B), 100% blue+5 extra days on plant (100B+5). Also, 75P, 100B and 100B+5 fruit were evaluated after storage at 2°C for 45 days + 1 d at 18°C. Over berry maturation from 100G to 100B, color developed steadily while firmness and TA decreased. Respiration and ethylene production rates peaked early, at 25P and 50P, respectively, and were higher for ‘Duke’ than for ‘Brigitta’. After harvest, cultivar- and maturity-related differences were found. ‘Brigitta’ fruit retained higher firmness and had lower weight loss than ‘Duke’. In general, 100B+5 fruit were over-ripe and showed low quality. Additional physiological, morphological and biochemical studies for a wider range of cultivars will be needed. This work was supported by the National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT) of Chile (grants FONDECYT 11130539 and PCHA/Doctorado Nacional/2013-63130042), and by the research program “Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change (A2C2)”, from Universidad de Talca, Chile. The work in Spain was supported partially by “Fundación Carolina” and “Programa de Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnologı́a Agraria y Alimentaria”, from Universitat de Lleida, Spain.

Applications of N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea (CPPU) can increase blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) yield and fruit size, but their impact on postharvest is unknown. We studied repeated CPPU applications effects on yield and quality (harvest, postharvest), over 2 yr on mature 'Duke' plants in South-Central Chile. The first year, 5 or 10 mL L-1 CPPU was applied at 3, 10, and/or 17 d after full bloom (DAFB) plus a non-sprayed control. The second year, 5 or 10 mL L-1 CPPU were sprayed 10 and 17 DAFB plus a control. The first year, only 10 mL L-1 CPPU sprayed 3+17 DAFB increased yield (32.5% > control); 10 mL L-1 CPPU applied 10 or 3+17 DAFB had highest fruit diameter; and 10 mL L-1 CPPU at 17 DAFB or at 3+10+17 DAFB had highest soluble solids. Overall, 10 mL L-1 CPPU applied 3+17 DAFB, was the best treatment for year one, since it increased fruit yield and diameter, while soluble solids and postharvest weight loss were similar to control. The second year, 10 mL L-1 CPPU reduced fruit coloration (blue color coverage index: BCCI) and soluble solids, but not firmness at harvest. This rate increased berry weight (24.2%) and fruit wax (59% > wax coverage index: WCI) at harvest. Harvest and postharvest WCI increased consistently as CPPU rate increased. CPPU reduced fruit rotting (15% at 45+5 evaluation). During storage, CPPU-treated-fruit had a slower decrease in firmness (30.5% < control at 30+1), but no difference at 30+5. CPPU-treated-fruit usually had higher post harvest soluble solids. Ten mL L-1 CPPU retarded color evolution at harvest and at 30+1, but not at 30+5, 40+1 or 40+5. Key words: Cytokinin, firmness, fruit rotting, fruit wax, growth regulators, long-term cold storage, Vaccinium corymbosum. Thanks to FONDEF (Project D09R1008) and ANASAC for financial assistance

Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars 'Duke' and 'Brigitta' to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (

Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars “Duke” and “Brigitta” to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (

Performance of seven apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars (‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Galaxy’, ‘Super Chief’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Fuji Raku Raku’, ‘Cripp's Pink’, and ‘Braeburn’) on M.M.106 and M.9 EMLA rootstocks during their first 6 years was evaluated on a multisite trial in Chile. Second-leaf trees were planted in experimental blocks inside commercial orchards located in five major apple-producing areas in Chile (Graneros, San Clemente, Chillan, Angol, and Temuco). Tree height and volume, trunk cross-sectional area (TCA), fruit yield and size distribution, crop load, and tree phenology were assessed annually. In general, tree growth rates by the end of the third year, when they reached the desired height, were similar in all block locations. M.9 EMLA rootstock reduced tree height by ≈20% in ‘Brookfield® Gala’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Galaxy’, and ‘Granny Smith’. This rootstock also had 50% smaller TCAs than M.M.106’s at Year 6 in most cultivars. The highest productions in ‘Brookfield®Gala’, ‘Galaxy’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Cripp's Pink’, and ‘Super Chief’, regardless of rootstock, were obtained in San Clemente and Chillan's blocks. Although M.M. 106 trees delivered higher yields per plant, M.9 EMLA yield efficiency (no. fruit/cm2 TCA) was significantly higher. In general, the higher the latitude (toward south), the later budbreak, full bloom, and harvest occurred.

Trials were conducted during three seasons (2001-2004) to determine optimal timing for a second DPA application, for control of superficial scald on apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) and to evaluate the use of thermofogging for this purpose. 'Granny Smith', 'Fuji' and 'Braeburn' apples from commercial orchards were treated with DPA at harvest and after 2, 3, 4 or 6 months of storage in either regular air (RA, 0°C) or controlled atmosphere (CA, 1.8-2% O 2 and 1.3-1.5% CO 2 ) storage. Initial DPA treatment was applied immediately after harvest by drenching, thermofogging or dipping. DPA reapplications were done by thermofogging (in refrigerated trailers and commercial CA storerooms) or dipping. Scald incidence (%) and severity was evaluated, at 6 or 8 months after harvest and plus 10 days at room temperature. Samples were drawn periodically for DPA residue analyses. At harvest and monthly thereafter, evolution of scald related compounds (α-farnesene, conjugated trienes and antioxidant capacity) were analyzed. Reapplication of DPA was consistently effective at reducing scald development, especially in susceptible fruit and when applied after two or three months of storage. Scald incidence on 'Granny Smith' and 'Fuji' apples was associated with α-farnesene and conjugated trienes (mainly those absorbing at 281 nm). Thermofogging was capable of raising DPA residues in the fruit when applied after two or three months of storage, which resulted in reducing final scald. It has the advantages of direct application in storage (feasibility of more than one treatment), a uniform distribution in the fruit, and eliminates environmental problems associated with disposal of chemical wastes.

espanolLos viveros chilenos hacen importantes esfuerzos para desarrollar nuevas especies nativas para su uso en paisajismo, con enfasis en especies adecuadas para condiciones de baja disponibilidad hidrica. Las bromeliaceas estan naturalmente adaptadas a condiciones de bajo nivel de humedad en el suelo, siendo el genero Puya ampliamente utilizado como planta de jardin. A nivel mundial, a las bromeliaceas se las fuerza a florecer tratandolas con etileno, ya sea en forma de gas o en forma liquida. La familia Bromeliaceae en Chile incluye seis generos con 24 especies y cinco subespecies. Las especies cultivadas se venden en viveros principalmente en estado vegetativo, y no se ha probado el uso de etileno para promover la floracion. La capacidad del etileno de promover la floracion en Fascicularia bicolor subsp. bicolor, en adelante Fascicularia bicolor fue investigada en un vivero cercano a Santiago (33°21 '13" LS y 70°41 '26''LO) asperjando plantas creciendo bajo malla sombreadora o bajo invernadero frio, con Ethylen® 48 SL (0, 2,5 ml L-1 o 5 ml L-1 de ethephon) en el otono de 2012. Un experimento similar se realizo asperjando, en medio del invierno, plantas creciendo al aire libre bajo pleno sol, o bajo malla sombreadora con sombra permanente o recibiendo luz matinal, probando 0 y 2,5 ml L-1 de ethephon. Las plantas que no recibieron etileno no mostraron ningun cambio fenologico, ni en las asperjadas en otono ni en las asperjadas en invierno. Todas las plantas asperjadas con etileno en otono, despues de algunos meses, mostraron el color rojo brillante que precede la floracion, aunque posteriormente no todas las plantas florecieron. Las plantas asperjadas con etileno en invierno no mostraron el color rojo; sin embargo, florecieron en un 100% despues de cuatro meses. EnglishChilean nurseries make important efforts to develop new native crops for landscaping, with emphasis on species suitable for wa-ter-saving conditions. Bromeliads are naturally adapted to low water soil conditions; the genus Puya is widely used as a garden plant. Worldwide, commercial bromeliads are forced to bloom by treating them with ethylene, either as a gas or liquid preparation. The family Bromeliaceae in Chile includes six genera with 24 species and five subspecies; the cultivated species are sold in nurseries mainly in the vegetative stage, and ethylene has not been tested to promote flowering. The capacity of ethylene to promote flowering in Fascicularia bicolor was investigated in a nursery near Santiago (33°21'13'' SL and 70°41'26'' WL) by spraying plants growing under a shading net or in a cool greenhouse with Ethylen® 48 SL (0, 2.5 ml L-1 or 5 ml L-1 ethephon) in autumn, 2012. A similar experiment was conducted by spraying in the middle of the winter, using different plants growing in the open with full sun and under a shading net with constant shade or with morning light, testing 0 and 2.5 ml L-1 ethephon. Untreated plants did not show any change in phenology, either in the autumn or winter spraying times. After some months all au-tumn-treated plants showed the bright red color that precedes flowering, although not all plants reached anthesis. The winter-treated plants did not turn red, but flowering was 100% after four months.

SummaryThe effect of 1-MCP and CA storage on aroma production and consumer acceptance were investigated during storage of ‘Royal Gala’ apples. Fruit was harvested 132 d (Harvest 1) and 144 d (Harvest 2) after full bloom (DAFB), and stored under refrigerated air (RA; 0oC; 90 – 95% RH), or in a controlled atmosphere (CA; 2.0 – 2.5 kPa CO2, 1.8 – 2.0 kPa O2), or treated at harvest with 625 nl l–1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) ) followed by RA storage. Ripening indices, aroma volatile production, and sensory quality were determined after 2, 4 and 6 months of storage, plus 7 d of simulated shelf-life. Butyl acetate and hexyl acetate were the most abundant esters produced by ‘Royal Gala’ apple, and hexanol, butanol, and 2-methyl butanol were the most abundant alcohols. Hexyl acetate, 2-methyl butyl acetate and butyl acetate were found to be major contributors to aroma. CA storage and 1-MCP-treatment reduced ethylene production, softening and acidity loss. Storage of apples under RA conditions gave the highest le...

The effects of 1-MCP and CA storage in aroma production and consumer acceptance, were investigated during the long-term storage of ‘Packham‘s Triumph’ pears. Pears were harvested 144 (Harvest 1) and 157 days (Harvest 2) after full bloom. The fruit were stored under cold storage (0 °C, 90–95% R.H.), controlled atmospheres (CA, 2.0–2.5 kPa O 2 and 1.0–1.5 kPa CO 2 ) or treated at harvest with 1-MCP (0.2 μL L −1 ) followed by cold storage. Ripening indices and aroma volatile production (using SPME technology) were determined after 2, 4 and 6 months of storage plus 5 days of shelf life, in addition to sensory evaluations. Butyl and hexyl acetate, followed by pentyl acetate and butyl butanoate, were the most abundant esters produced by the pears, and butanol and hexanol the most abundant alcohols. Their abundance increased during the development of ripening. Hexyl acetate with fruity notes was found to be the main contributor to the aroma of the pears, followed by butyl acetate and pentyl acetate, while alcohols showed a poor contribution. After 2 months of storage, pears stored under regular cold storage developed the highest content of volatile compounds and also the highest odour value, being preferred by sensory panelists. CA storage and 1-MCP treatment reduced the production of aromatic volatiles by the fruit. Nevertheless, after a longer storage period, pears treated with 1-MCP or stored under CA conditions, recovered capacity for volatile production with odour activity, and the panelists preferred 1-MCP treated over CA stored fruit. Pears treated with 1-MCP from the late harvest date were capable of producing higher amounts of volatile compounds during storage than those harvested at the commercial peak. The treatment of pears with 1-MCP followed by cold storage maintained textural characteristics preferred by the consumers and the capacity of volatile production, and therefore this technology could be used for maintaining fruit quality during long-term storage.

Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. macrophylla var. macrophylla ha sido ampliamente cultivada como planta de jardin y planta en maceta. Adicionalmente, se han desarrollado e introducido recientemente en Chile cultivares de flor cortada, para su exportacion a Estados Unidos. Actualmente, las flores cortadas se transportan via aerea en cajas de carton, con un tubo con agua puesto en la base de sus tallos. Hay poca informacion disponible acerca del manejo poscosecha. Este estudio fue realizado con el fin de explorar la factibilidad de exportar varas florales de hortensia via maritima, cortadas en el estado de madurez clasico, tambien llamado estado antique. Se obtuvieron varas florales de un productor comercial ubicado en Chile Central. Se establecieron cuatro tratamientos: prefrio (varas puestas a 0,5 °C antes de empacar), prefrio + fungicida pyrimethanil o bisulfito de sodio y un grupo de flores sin prefrio (empaque inmediato). Se pusieron tubos con agua en la base de los tallos. Las varas fueron empacadas en cajas de carton y puestas en camara de frio a 0,5 °C. Despues de 20 dias de almacenamiento a 0,5 °C, la vida util (o vida en florero) fue de 7-9 dias. En contraste, un experimento adicional mostro que las varas que fueron almacenadas por 35 dias tuvieron una vida util de solo 2 dias. No hubo diferencia en cuanto a vida util entre varas con o sin prefrio. El promedio de absorcion de agua por vara fue de 43 ml. Se observo ataque de Botrytis solo en uno de los dos tratamientos sin fungicida, donde la incidencia fue de 12,5%, por lo que el efecto de los fungicidas no fue evaluado. Se concluyo que el transporte via maritima a Estados Unidos de flores cortadas en el estado antique seria tecnicamente posible.

There is great interest in growing blueberries in Chile. Although only a few hundred hectares are now planted, thousands of hectares are predicted by the turn of the century. There are many areas in the country that are adaptable to blueberry culture, and labor costs are extremely low. Chileans feel they have a golden opportunity to make a profit by producing blueberries during the North American off-season.

A study was carried out to determine the effects of two cooling systems and the application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, SmartFresh TM )�ontheincidenceofsuperficialscaldinapples�(Malus domestica Borkh.) cv. Granny Smith. Fruit were collected from a commercial orchard (Colbun, Maule Region, Chile) during 2004-2005 season. A completely randomized design was used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, using cooling systems (normal and step-wise cooling) and application of 1-MCP (0 and 625 nL L -1 i.a.) as the main factors. Fruit from normal cooling were kept at 0 °C throughout the storage period (180 days). Step-wise cooling consisted of storing the fruit at 10 °C for 10 days; 4 °C for the next 20 days and 0 °C for the remaining 150 days. Every month, maturity indices and the chemicals, global antioxidant content (AO), α-farnesene�(AF)�andconjugatedtrienes�(TC),�weremeasured.�Incidenceofsuperficial� scald was determined after 180 days of storage, plus 10 days at 20 °C. The application of 1-MCP with both cooling systemswascapableofmaintainingfirmnessvaluesaround�8.2�kguptotheendofthestorageperiod,�aswellas� decreasingtheconcentrationofAF,�TCandAOduringstorage.�Incidenceofsuperficialscaldonfruitwith�1-MCP� was 0%, regardless of the type of cooling. Among treatments without 1-MCP, step-wise-cooling was more effective inpreventingsuperficialscald,�resultingin�1.3%�incidencecomparedto�75.6%�withthenormalcoolingsystem.� Nevertheless,�fromthefourthmonthonwardsfirmnesswaslowerthanthatrequiredforexport.

Peras (Pyrus communis L.) Packham’s Triumph fueron evaluadas en madurez y producción de etileno desde cuatro semanas previo a la cosecha. Firmeza y sólidos solubles obtuvieron las mayores correlaciones (r = -0,97 y 0,98, respectivamente) con días después de plena flor (DDPF). La producción de etileno fue baja (< 0.07 mg kg-1) y no mostró correlación con DDPF. Fruta cosechada con 7,8 y 7,0 kg (E1 y E2, respectivamente) fue almacenada en frío convencional (FC: 0°C) y dos condiciones de atmósfera controlada (AC1: 2- 2,5% O2/1-1,5% CO2 y AC2: 1-1,3% O2/0,5-0,8% CO2), -1°C, por seis meses. Se midió madurez, producción de etileno (mensualmente) e incidencia de desórdenes fisiológicos (después de cuatro y seis meses). Adicionalmente, se evaluó tasa de producción de etileno (TPE) durante 7 días a temperatura ambiente, después de cada período de almacenaje. Fruta de ambas cosechas, almacenada en AC1 y AC2 presentó mayor firmeza, coloración verde de piel y menor TPE que en FC. No hubo diferencias en madurez entre AC1 y AC2. La acumulación de etileno fue exponencial y ocurrió más temprano y con mayores valores en FC (máximo de 900 mg kg-1 al 5º mes), respecto de AC (146 y 230 mg kg-1 para E1 y E2, al final del almacenaje). A temperatura ambiente, la TPE de las tres condiciones se incrementó a partir del segundo mes, pero sólo se observó el climacterio en FC. Después de seis meses fruta de FC y de ambas cosechas desarrolló escaldadura (17% para E1 y 20 % para E2). Packham’s Triumph pears (Pyrus communis L.) were evaluated from four weeks before harvest for maturity and ethylene production. Firmness and soluble solids showed the highest correlations (r = -0.97 y 0.98, respectively) with days after full bloom (DDPF). Ethylene production was low (< 0.07 mg kg-1) and was not correlated with DDPF. Fruit harvested with 7.8 (E1) and 7.0 kg (E2) were stored in conventional cold air (0°C) and two controlled atmosphere conditions (AC1: 2-2.5% O2 /1-1.5% CO2 and AC2: 1-1.3% O2/0.5-0.8% CO2), -1°C, for six months. Changes in maturity, and ethylene production were measured (monthly) and incidence of physiological disorders was assessed (after four and six months). Additionally, the ethylene production rate (TPE) was monitored for seven days at room temperature, after each storage period. Fruit from both harvests, stored under AC1 and AC2 were firmer, greener and had lower ethylene production than those of FC. There were no significant differences in ripening between AC1 and AC2. Ethylene accumulation was exponential and occurred earlier and with higher values in FC (900 mg kg-1 maximum at the 5th month), with respect to AC (146 and 230 mg kg-1 for E1 and E2 at the end of the storage period). At room temperature, the TPE of the three storage conditions increased from the second month, but the climacteric peak was observed only in FC. After six months, fruit from FC and from both harvests developed superficial scald (17% for E1 and 20% for E2).

Research was carried out to study the mode of action of diphenylamine (DPA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), on control of superficial scald of Granny Smith apples (Malus domestica Borkh.), and its relation with chemical compounds. Fruit was harvested from a commercial orchard in Chile, 182 and 189 days after full bloom and received the following treatments: DPA (2,000 ppm); 1-MCP (1.2 ppm) and control (no treatment). All fruit was stored for 4 or 6 months at 0 deg C. A completely randomized factorial design was used (2 harvest dates by 3 postharvest treatments). Monthly measurements were made on maturity indices, ethylene production rate (EPR), scald related compounds (alpha-farnesene (AF), conjugated trienes (CT), total anti-oxidants (AO)), and cell membrane stability. Following 4 and 6 months of storage, plus 7 days at 20 deg C, scald was evaluated. After 6 months, DPA-treated fruit, from both harvests, showed similar firmness, EPR and AO, compared to the control. However, AF and CT were lower, and cell membrane stability higher. Conversely, 1-MCP-treated fruit showed a noticeable EPR suppression and AF inhibition, along with higher firmness, lower CT and AO, compared to the control and DPA. Furthermore, cell membrane stability was superior to that of the control and similar to that of the DPA. Treated fruit (DPA and 1-MCP) showed an important reduction in scald compared to the control. The effect of 1-MCP on the investigated compounds and the reduction in scald, confirms that ethylene plays a major role on its development.

Chilean fresh blueberries take 20-50 days to arrive by boat to the Northern hemisphere, softening and dehydration being the main defects upon arrival. The effect of maturity at harvest (75% blue, 100% blue, and overripe) on cuticular triterpene content, and the possible associated impacts on firmness and weight loss after cold storage were explored for 'Duke' and 'Brigitta' fruit, both non-bagged or bagged in macroperforated low-density polyethylene bags. Softening and weight loss varied with cultivar and maturity stage: 'Duke' fruit softened faster and were more prone to dehydration than 'Brigitta' samples, whereas overripe fruit were less firm after storage. This is the first report characterizing the triterpenoid fraction in cuticles of fresh blueberries, which may play a role in their postharvest behavior. Weight loss and softening rates were highly correlated to ursolic acid contents at harvest; further research will be required for a better understanding of these relationships. Fruit samples were provided by AMS Family, Maule Region, Chile. We thank Irene Manríquez, Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, for her skillful technical work. In Chile, this work was supported by the National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research CONICYT (FONDECYT 11130539) and PCHA/Doctorado Nacional/2013-63130042, the research programs “Adaptation of Agriculture to Climate Change (A2C2)”, “PIEI-QUIM-BIO”, “Fondo Proyectos de Investigación” and “Núcleo Científico Multidisciplinario”, Universidad de Talca. In Spain this work was partially supported by “Fundación Carolina” and “Programa de Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria”, Universitat de Lleida.

Chile has become a major actor in the blueberry industry as the most important supplier of off-season fresh fruit for the northern hemisphere. Blueberry exports passed from US$ 30 million (around 4,000 tons) in 2000 to US$ 380 million (94,000 tons) in 2011. The characteristics of the major blueberry growing regions (North, Central, South-central and South) are presented in terms of acreage, varieties, management practices, extension of the harvest season, and soil and climatic conditions. Most fruit is from highbush varieties, picked by hand and exported fresh by boat to United States. Largest proportion of fruit is exported from mid December to late January, which coincides with lowest prices. The south-central region (latitudes 34º50´ to 38º15´ S) was in 2007 the most important one with 5,075 ha (51.1% of area planted). Among the challenges for the Chilean blueberry industry in the near future are: 1. Lower profitability due to lower rates of currency exchange and higher costs, 2 - Greater scarcity and higher cost of labor, 3.- Need for higher productivity and sustainable production practices, 4- Fruit of high and consistent quality, and 5.- Greater investment in research. As a case study the article presents three approaches that can help identify areas with low availability of labor and improve its efficiency. The article shows the use of geomatic tools to establish labor availability, application of growth regulators to reduce crop load, increase fruit size and improve harvest efficiency, and the use of shakers to harvest fresh fruit for long distance markets. More research is needed to improve yields, reduce costs and give greater economical and ecological sustainability to the Chilean blueberry industry. Index terms: Biotechnology, growth regulator and plant science O Chile tornou-se de grande atuação na indústria de Mirtilo como o fornecedor mais importante de frutas frescas de entressafra para o hemisfério Norte. Exportações de Mirtilo passaram de $ 30 milhões de dólares americanos (cerca de 4.000 toneladas) em 2000, para 380 milhões (94 mil toneladas) em 2011. As características das principais regiões de cultivo de Mirtilo (Norte, Central, Centro-Sul e Sul) são apresentados em termos de área plantada, variedades, práticas de manejo, extensão do período de colheita, e condições climáticas e do solo. A maioria das frutas é de variedades highbush, colhidas à mão e exportados frescas para os Estados Unidos por barco.Grande porcentagem do fruto é exportada a partir de meados de dezembro até o final de janeiro, que coincide com preços mais baixos. A região Centro-sul (latitude 34º 50' a 38º15' S), foi em 2007 a mais importante, com 5.075 ha (51,1% da área plantada). Entre os desafios da indústria de Mirtilo no Chile em um futuro próximo são: 1. Baixa rentabilidade devido à diminuição das taxas de câmbio e custos mais altos, 2. Maior escassez e aumento do custo da mão-de-obra, 3. Necessidade de uma maior produtividade e práticas de produção sustentável, 4. Fruta de alta e consistente qualidade, e 5. Maior investimento em pesquisa. Como estudo de caso o artigo apresenta três abordagens que podem ajudar a identificar as áreas com baixa disponibilidade de mão de obra e melhorar a sua eficiência. O artigo mostra o uso de ferramentas de geomática para estabelecer a disponibilidade de mão-de-obra, a aplicação de reguladores de crescimento para reduzir a carga das culturas, aumentar o tamanho dos frutos e melhorar a eficiência da colheita, bem como a utilização de sacudidores para colher frutas frescas para os mercados de longa distância. Mais pesquisas são necessárias para melhorar o rendimento, reduzir custos e dar maior sustentabilidade econômica e ecológica para a indústria de Mirtilo do Chile. Partial financing for this research provided by projects FONDEF D09R1008 and INNOVA-CORFO 11BPC-10100 is appreciated.