The initial exports of 2010/11 Chilean blueberry season are progressing slowly, while volume is two times higher than last season, according to the latest weekly crop report issued by the Chilean Blueberry Committee and based on the statistic information system of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA).
The estimated export curve has been slightly adjusted to take into account that shipments until week 46 (mid-November) will be mainly by air, and will only differ by one to three days from the original harvesting date.
Weeks 47 and 48 are expected to be turning points regarding the increase in sea shipments, with sendings set to peak in week 52 (the end of December) at 5,233 tonnes.
North Zone (IV-V Regions)
Some 4,220 tonnes of blueberries are due to be exported from the northern regions of Chile this season. The current harvest corresponds mainly to the IV Region, reporting a 20 per cent of progression.
In the V Region, the harvest is developing slowly, which is the result of a lower accumulation of chill hours compared to last season. The IV Region has reported a similar situation.
Maximum temperatures have increased since the weekend but this is not enough to compensate for the surplus of heat units.
In week 44, however, temperatures registered a new decrease and weather variability continues.
Central Zone (Metropolitan-VI Regions)
The harvest in Lampa (in the Metropolitan Region) begins next week with Duke variety, while in the VI Region the early varieties are due to be harvested (in limited volume) as of 8-10 November.
In both regions, degree-day accumulation is higher to similar in comparison to last season,
unlike the records registered in the northern zone of Chile.
The rainfall last week will not have caused any further damage and no frosts have been reported, although the risk was high during the first hours of 30 October.
South-Central Zone (VII-VIII Regions)
In Curicó, the earliest harvest may start this weekend or at the beginning next week for the early varieties.
Hailstorms have been recorded in some areas of Los Angeles, and although the impact has not yet been assessed, no significant damage is expected.
Most of the south-central areas are in fruit set. In the VIII Region, the harvest is expected to start on 25 November.
The degree-day accumulation is similar to last season, meaning the different growing areas show no delays in general.
Rainfall is forecast for the weekend and early next week in Los Angeles but this should not cause any major problems, as long as the rains are not followed by frosts, which is less probable from now on.
South Zone (IX-X-XIV Regions)
There was some rainfall last week in the south zone. Most varieties were in bloom, so fungicides were applied extensively in order to control the risk of Botrytis during the post-harvest period.
Temperatures increased after the rainfall but the weather continues to be changeable in the south and more rain is expected again this weekend.
