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Excessive softening is the main factor limiting blueberry storage. We evaluated the effect of preharvest calcium applications on ‘O’Neal’ and ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry quality during refrigerated storage. Blueberry plants were fertilized with CaSO₄ (0.06kgm⁻²). On the following season, fruit was harvested at commercial maturity (100% blue) and stored at 2°C for 23d. During storage, we analyzed firmness, weight loss, surface color, anthocyanins, respiration rate, decay, acidity, pH and total sugars. In addition, changes in loosely and tightly bound pectins, hemicelluloses and calcium content were evaluated. Calcium-treated fruit for both varieties had less softening and weight loss than control fruit. Respiration rate increased during storage, but this increment was lower in calcium-treated blueberries. The fertilization treatment did not affect other quality attributes such as color, anthocyanins, acidity or sugars. Calcium …