Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Polish Fruit Harvest Could Drastically Decrease in 2006
Low temperatures have been observed in the main orcharding regions of Poland recently and in the experts' opinion, it could lead to large losses for orchardists. Experts from "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits", the weekly journal of the Ukrainian produce business, say it is obvious that not only the fruit buds, but also parts of new and adult trees, have been injured by the frost. The intensive orchards with dwarf Holland seedlings will suffer the most as they are more vulnerable to low temperatures than the more mature orchards with much more developed root system.
It is hard to estimate the extent of the losses right now; however, according to preliminary data, sweet and sour cherry and pear harvests will be affected the most and intensive apple orchards will be the first to suffer. A preliminary forecast estimates fruit production in Poland could decrease by a minimum of 10% because losses caused by the frosts. Of course, the production can also be negatively affected by other factors and it is hard to predict those right now.
Frosts also negatively affected fruit orchards in Ukraine and Russia and according to the initial information the cold weather has also affected table grape and peach production in Moldova. Judging from this, the fruit harvest 2006 is expected to decrease in the aforementioned Central and Eastern European countries.