May 4 2011, 17:05 Fruit-Inform

Frosts lower apple production prospects in Poland and Germany

According to Fruit-Inform Project's experts having surveyed Polish and German apple producers today, frosts are already damaging fruit crops in these countries. However, the most serious losses are expected during two nearest nights.

Last night air temperature in certain regions of Poland (predominantly in western and central ones) was 4-5 degrees below zero. In addition, according to gardeners, the most serious losses are expected in two nearest nights when cold air will move to southern regions of Poland, where, as of today, almost all apple varieties are already blossoming. “These frosts might be more disastrous than in 2007, because, as of today, 99% of apple trees are blossoming, and in 2007 only slightly more than a half of apple orchards were blossoming during frosts”, a Polish gardener from south-eastern region of Poland says. Moreover, according to him, last night air temperature was below zero for only slight period of time.

Air temperature in many regions of Germany was even lower than in Poland that led to more significant losses. However, as of today, it is impossible to make accurate estimates of losses. According to our preliminary estimates, production in Poland and Germany can decrease by 10% in comparison with our initial forecasts. In future, we will further keep abreast of the developments and inform market participants of them.

As to apple market of Ukraine, more detailed information of it will be included into the fundamental study “Fruit and Vegetable Market of Ukraine-2011: Fundamental Investigation of the Season's Results and Forecasts for the Following Season”, which will be available since June 1, 2011.