Influence of growing environment and pruning techniques on storage and quality traits of Vaccinium corymbosum L., cv 'Duke'

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing market demand for blueberries, the amount of land dedicated to their production is expanding. Therefore, cultivation techniques to ensure high quality and a longer shelf life have become key concerns for the blueberry industry and consumers. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of various growing environments and pruning techniques on the quality and shelf life of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. 'Duke') during cold storage. METHODS: In this study, six commercial orchards were selected based on the type of pruning (light or hard) and the plot's altitude (lowland, hill, or mountain). After harvest, the blueberries were stored at 1°C and 90% RH for 21 days. Quality analyses were performed on days 0, 10, and 21 of storage. The data were processed with a factor-designed analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). RESULTS: Blueberries from the lowland cultivation area with light pruning had a longer shelf life. At harvest, the lowland area had indeed produced firmer blueberries that were sweeter and less acidic, and cold storage positively preserved these characteristics compared to fruit grown at other altitudes. CONCLUSIONS: In summation, the lowland area produced firmer berries that retained their characteristics after 10 days of storage, especially those harvested from hard-pruned plants. Notably, the bioactive compounds were not affected by the pruning method. However, when combined with 10 days of storage, light pruning was associated with better preservation of the total phenol content.