The late February, frost hit various areas of Metaponto (Basilicata). Strawberry flowers under polytunnels weren't damaged that much, so production won't be affected. As for stone fruit, however, flowers that had already blossomed were hit rather hard, while it is still early to make an assessment for the late varieties.
Almanebo blossoming in Scanzano Jonico, 7th March 2018
On 7th March 2018, FreshPlaza visited the Vincenzo Sabato facility in Scanzano Jonico (Matera), which grows 4 hectares of Sabrosa strawberries as well as lower quantities of Fortuna. As confirmed by technicians Alfredo Carullo and Giovanni Persiani from "Piraccini Secondo", strawberries weren't affected that badly. There are indeed a few black flowers, but production won't be too penalised.
Strawberry flowers damaged by the frost
The 7,000 Adelita raspberry plants were also spared. Quality is good and prices are currently high.
Damaged peach flowers
In order to protect raspberries, the company has installed sprinklers that spray water on plastic films when the temperature drops close to zero. This maintains the temperature in polytunnels slightly higher.
Sprinklers
The flowers of the Almanebo nectarine variety were still closed, so it seems part of the production was spared. Earlier varieties were instead heavily damaged.