June 21 2006, 13:25

Strong frosts of past winter may cause peach production decrease in 2007

Past year was successful for orchardists; this year is a direct contrary, especially for those who have peach orchards. According to information provided by Crimean office of the Agricultural Marketing Project (AMP), only 3-5% of peach buds survived after severe winter only in three rayons of Crimea. This data is confirmed by Crimean Orchard Station of National Orchard Institute. Other Crimean rayons won't have peach harvest at all.

Orchardists are in difficult financial situation, Alexander Lekhno says, the Market Information Specialist of Crimean AMP office. They still have to perform all necessary procedures for proper orchard management: spraying, pruning, irrigation. But they will see the result only in a year.

The specialist forecasts that there is a great probability for orchards to see no management this season. As a result, next season the harvest of stone fruits may be low even if the weather is favorable.