Mexican scientists to create a new blueberry variety adapted to local climate

Mexican scientists are developing a new blueberry variety adapted to the local climate, with the aim of reducing the dependence on cold conditions that this fruit normally requires. Many foreign varieties do not adapt well to Mexican regions, which has led researchers to prioritize a national variety.

 

 

 

Lucina Romero, a researcher at CIIDIR Sinaloa, part of the National Polytechnic Institute, explained that they use the polyploidization technique to genetically improve the blueberry. This process makes it possible to increase the number of chromosomes in the plants, generating benefits such as greater tolerance to heat, more fruit and accelerated ripening.

 

 

 

In addition, this advance would help reduce costs, since 80% of blueberry varieties are currently protected by patents that require royalty payments. With a local variety, Mexico could avoid these payments and increase its production, thus benefiting its exports, mainly to the United States, which consumes 97% of the blueberries produced in the country.