Metabolic profiling and fruit quality assessment of fourteen blueberry cultivars ( <i>Vaccinium</i> sp) well adapted to a subtropical climate

Blueberry cultivation in Argentina has expanded under Subtropical-type climates; however, comprehensive evaluations of newly introduced cultivars remain scarce. This study evaluated fourteen cultivars, thirteen southern highbush and one rabbiteye, grown in northeastern Argentina (NEA) for fruit quality, metabolomic profiles, and cell wall–related enzymatic activities. Standard parameters (dry matter, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and weight) were analyzed, and metabolites were profiled using GC-MS. Several blueberry cultivars (‘Scintilla’, ‘Kestrel’, ‘Sweetcrisp’, ‘Farthing’, and ‘Titan’) showed superior firmness, high dry matter, quinic acid and sugars, which are attributes linked to enhanced sensory quality and improved postharvest behavior. The rabbiteye cultivar ‘Titan’ showed additional potential to extend the harvest window, supporting diversification of production. These findings underscore the importance of integrating genetic background with regional climatic conditions to optimize cultivar selection and reveal promising candidates for Subtropical climates, long-distance markets, and breeding programs targeting firmness, nutraceutical attributes, and extended seasonality.