An Argentine Blueberry Committee report has forecast an earlier yield curve for the province of Tucumán, while harvests are slightly ahead in the northern Buenos Aires region.

The committee's Climate and Phenology Report said the expected changes in Tucumán are due to an increased share of early and extra-early varieties, combined with minimal frost effects in the productive stages.

For Tucumán's fields with frost protection the first export harvests were made in week 34 while new cuts were forecast to be made in week 35. Meanwhile, fields without frost protection are estimated to start the season between weeks 38 and 40.

A Tucumán Blueberries (APRATUC) this month estimated 7,200 metric tons (MT) in volumes for the province this season, with around 4,000MT destined for the fresh market and the rest for processing. The first flights with fruit are expected to leave for Miami in the first days of October.

Concordia

The committee concluded no phenological improvement could be seen in the Concordia province for the Oneal, Misty and Emerald varieties.

"Due to the introduction of new varieties in the area, by the end of the month they will begin the harvest collectings for export as in the area of Corrientes, but in traditional varieties such as Emerald and Jewel," the report said.

The first collections are expected on Oct. 10 with 8,000MT expected for the season with a peak around weeks 44 and 45.

Northern Buenos Aires

The total chilling hours in the Buenos Aires province were 4.2% down on 2010 but 11% higher than the 10-year average, coupled with a dry climate during July and August. It is expected the first half of September will remain the same.

"Phenologically, fruit harvest is slightly ahead compared to last year, but the anticipation of the harvest depends on the temperatures of September and the first half of October," the report said.

The conclusions were made in the committee's Climate and Phenology Report, compiled with the assistance of Tucumán Blueberries (APRATUC), the Blueberry Blueberry Producers Association of Mesopotamia Argentina (APAMA) and the and the Argentine Chamber of Blueberry and other Berry Producers (CAPAB).

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