March 29 2006, 16:39

Plant disease incidence will be lower in 2006 thanks to frosts

Due to the long lasting low temperatures this winter, plant disease incidence is expected to reduce. Fewer diseases will affect plants on the initial growing stage through soil and plant residues, to the opinion of Valentina Kotsur, the Agronomist of Odesa office, Agricultural Marketing Project.

In particular, it refers to such diseases as mildew, blight, root rot, leaf spotting. So, the plants will experience significantly less initial stress compared to the previous year; it will positively influence the perspective of fruit and vegetable crops yield this season. And, the quantity of plant protection assets applications can be reduced in spring period of time.

The analysts of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" weekly journal also think that the weather created favorable conditions for the major vegetable crops production in 2006. The specialists are preparing fruit and vegetable production and price forecast for 2006, its preliminary results confirm the acreage extension for the major vegetable crops. Jointly with the favorable phytosanitary conditions it can significantly increase gross vegetable harvest in 2006.