US (CA): Cold snap on its way to the Valley; citrus growers ready for action
Citrus growers will monitor the weather to determine whether they should begin defensive procedures against the cold, but it's too early to tell yet what should be done, said Bob Blakely, director of industry relations for the California Citrus Mutual.
"What they will be doing when we get closer is, they will be watering the fields and getting the ground moisture up," Blakely said. "That's about the only thing they can do right now."
This week's expected cold front is the first to hit the Valley this season. In previous years, freezing temperatures hit the area during Thanksgiving week. Cooler temperatures are needed for the citrus to ripen properly, Blakely said.
"We've needed a little bit of cold weather to harden things off," he said. But not too cold yet, he said, aware that the coldest time of year -- Christmas week -- is fast approaching: "We're certainly getting into that time of year."
Source: fresnobee.com
