Four varieties developed by University of Buenos Aires and Early Crop generating interest in major producing countries
An Argentine breeding programme led by the Faculty of Agronomy at the University of Buenos Aires and grower-exporter Early Crop has launched Moya, its latest blueberry variety that it believes has the potential to compete on the international market.
Said to stand out for the size of its fruit (up to 18mm), Moya joins Naike – a variety known for its flavour and texture – and Tafí and Slender, both of which developed with a focus on resistance to pests and diseases, a fundamental trait for organic production systems.
The four varieties are the result of a project begun in 2009. According to the breeders, they all share characteristics that directly address the demands of the global market. “They are extra-early varieties, with a long post-harvest life and adapted to organic farming,” said Gustavo Schrauf, one of the project leaders.
Extra-early production is one of the most important differentiators. It allows the fruit to reach the market when prices are higher, improving producers’ profitability.
Analysts highlight the potential of these varieties to improve the competitiveness of Argentine blueberries worldwide. A major part of the programme is focused on selecting plants that could thrive without intensive chemical controls.
Globally, there are few breeding programmes focused on organic production, and this Argentine initiative hopes to fill a strategic niche in the market. Currently, around 80 per cent of the blueberries the country exports are produced under this type of management.
According to the developers, countries such as the US, China, Spain, and Italy, have already inquired about these new varieties, and in some cases, have even begun trials to evaluate their adaptation to different climatic and soil conditions.
