“…Many authors claim that the high quality of blueberry fruits is dependent on cultivar characteristics as well as the postharvest handling of the fruit (Forney et al, 1998;Matiacevich et al, 2013;Parra et al, 2007;Sapers et al, 1984a). Blueberry breeders search for cultivars whose fruits are characterised by high firmness and a long storage life, a large size, uniform shape, light blue colour (abundant waxy bloom), a small scar where the pedicel detaches (picking scar), and easy fruit detachment for hand or machine harvest (Chiabrando et al, 2009;Hancock et al, 2008;Saftner et al, 2008;Strik, 2005). Furthermore, the important fruit quality traits highly valued by consumers include crunchiness, high sugar content, and moderate amounts of acid as well as high levels of antioxidants and the ability of fruits to retain texture after http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2015.08.007 0304-4238/© 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.…”