January 20 2006, 14:14 Agrarian Marketing Project

Frosts Damage Orchards and Vineyards

Severe frosts came into Ukraine from the North and owners of perennials are very worried.

Fruit and grape producers say the situation is alarming. "Temperatures down between -25* to

-27* C is very dangerous for many varieties; it can lead to death of the reproductive buds", says Dr. Vladimir Yarmilka, PhD in Agricultural Sciences and Agronomist from the Crimean office of Agricultural Marketing Project. Wind makes the situation even worse as it increases the negative effects of low temperatures. The meteorologists' forecast is disappointing and much warmer temperatures aren't expected till the end of January. Specialists say the unfavorable situation can seriously affect peaches, nectarines, grapes, sweet cherries, nuts, apples, pears and other crops. In a week or two, after preliminary analyses have been made, we will more accurately be able to estimate the scale of the damage.