Severe Morning Frosts Devastate Fruiting Crops in Western Serbia
Early varieties of stone fruits suffer significant losses, particularly apricot crops, as concerns rise for upcoming frost risks in April.
Recent morning frosts in Serbia have caused extensive damage to the fruit production sector, especially in the western region of the country.
Initial estimates from experts at the Fruit Growing Institute in Čačak indicate that apricot crops have been particularly hard hit, with losses reaching up to 95%.
According to Nenad Popović, a representative of the Institute, the timing of the cold snap coincided with the full bloom of many apricot trees, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus five degrees Celsius.
In addition to apricots, damage has also been reported in cherry and pear orchards.
So far, plum and apple crops have not experienced significant impacts; however, Popović warns that uncertainty remains regarding future temperature fluctuations.
The month of April is often critical for fruit farmers, as it historically poses risks for late frosts during the blooming phase of these trees.
Should cool temperatures recur, plums and apples could also be at serious risk of damage.
As for frost protection measures, Popović notes the existence of a sprinkling system, although its application is limited due to high costs and significant water requirements.
The geographical challenges of growing apricots, which are frequently cultivated at higher altitudes, exacerbate these issues, as adequate water supply and necessary infrastructure for such systems are often unavailable.
He mentions that only a few orchards in Čačak are equipped with frost protection systems.
Traditional methods of frost protection, such as burning wood or plant remnants, are increasingly difficult to implement on a larger scale.
Popović emphasizes that prolonged periods of frost make such measures nearly impossible to execute effectively.
Despite the losses, farmers remain committed to apricot cultivation, particularly focusing on the Miokovska variety, which is native and highly valued.
Popović indicates that this cultivation is a significant part of local tradition.
Although some farmers are slowly shifting to plum cultivation due to its relative ease of growth, this transition remains limited in scale.
The Institute will provide a complete assessment of the damages in the coming weeks, while farmers and consumers hope for more favorable weather conditions in April.
Initial estimates from experts at the Fruit Growing Institute in Čačak indicate that apricot crops have been particularly hard hit, with losses reaching up to 95%.
According to Nenad Popović, a representative of the Institute, the timing of the cold snap coincided with the full bloom of many apricot trees, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus five degrees Celsius.
In addition to apricots, damage has also been reported in cherry and pear orchards.
So far, plum and apple crops have not experienced significant impacts; however, Popović warns that uncertainty remains regarding future temperature fluctuations.
The month of April is often critical for fruit farmers, as it historically poses risks for late frosts during the blooming phase of these trees.
Should cool temperatures recur, plums and apples could also be at serious risk of damage.
As for frost protection measures, Popović notes the existence of a sprinkling system, although its application is limited due to high costs and significant water requirements.
The geographical challenges of growing apricots, which are frequently cultivated at higher altitudes, exacerbate these issues, as adequate water supply and necessary infrastructure for such systems are often unavailable.
He mentions that only a few orchards in Čačak are equipped with frost protection systems.
Traditional methods of frost protection, such as burning wood or plant remnants, are increasingly difficult to implement on a larger scale.
Popović emphasizes that prolonged periods of frost make such measures nearly impossible to execute effectively.
Despite the losses, farmers remain committed to apricot cultivation, particularly focusing on the Miokovska variety, which is native and highly valued.
Popović indicates that this cultivation is a significant part of local tradition.
Although some farmers are slowly shifting to plum cultivation due to its relative ease of growth, this transition remains limited in scale.
The Institute will provide a complete assessment of the damages in the coming weeks, while farmers and consumers hope for more favorable weather conditions in April.
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