Sadly, not all news regarding Murcia's Summer crops are good, and Sugraone Seedless grapes appear to be bearing the brunt. Last Spring's unusual weather conditions, with lower than normal temperatures, have taken a toll on the ripening process of this grape variety, preventing it from reaching its optimal sugar content, essential for its consumption. Additionally, those same temperatures also caused an excessive settling of the fruit, which also affected its quality, as reported by COAG.
The organisation reminded that the ideal moment for the harvest and sales of the Sugraone Seedless, which is the most produced variety in the Valley of Guadalentin, is the month of July, which was not possible this year, "which is made worse by the fact that it currently has to compete with other table grape varieties which are within their normal sales cycles."
It is also worth noting that large volumes have been lost due to the presence of Oidium, a fungal disease with a powdery appearance which proliferates in conditions of moderate heat (15 to 25ºC) and high humidity. The production affected has had to be sold to the alcohol industries, which has entailed spectacular losses in value. Many grapes will also not be harvested.
These incidents will be reported by COAG Murcia to the Administrations so that the damage can be further assessed, opening the possibility for future compensations.
Source: Abc.es
Source: Abc.es