May 10 2007, 09:15

Poland estimates 50-60% losses of early strawberry harvest

""Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal" informs that early May frosts killed most part of strawberry harvest in Poland. Night frosts reached 8-9 Co below zero so that the majority of fruiting buds and flowers died. The losses constituted 100% in some regions.

Polish orchardists say that Honeoye strawberry variety suffered the most: 95% of this type of strawberries were lost even under thick agrifiber and film. An insignificantly better result was achieved at fields, which were additionally covered with straw. At the same time, Kent strawberry variety turned out to be more frost-resistant - up to 50% of flowers and fruits survived on the plantings of this strawberry variety.

If we evaluate information gathered throughout the country, the losses of early strawberry constituted up to 50-60%. Later strawberry varieties stood the frosts relatively well. But, there is no hope for great harvests of later varieties as well. According to the practical experience, the yield of the later strawberry plantings may decline 30% and more.

This situation is close to be named a disaster for Poland which is the largest strawberry supplier in Europe. Many plants produce flash-frozen strawberry; this year they are likely to have no raw materials. The prices for fresh and frozen strawberry may be top record high. The suppliers of frozen strawberry from Morocco and China seem to have a chance of strengthening their positions on the EU market this year.

These events will somewhat support Ukrainian strawberry market where a significant production growth is expected this season.