The exceptionally hot temperatures of last autumn and this winter created imbalances in certain horticultural productions in the Region of Murcia. Seasonal crops are ahead of schedule and fruit trees are blooming on time not only in January; but also in November.
The heat has affected lettuce, broccoli, and artichoke plantations in Lorca and in the GuadalentÃn Valley. Farmers speak of a 20% overproduction due to the advance of the cycles, which leads to oversupply and lower market prices, stated Placido Perez Chuecos, president of COAG in Lorca, on the radio station A Vivir Tierra y Mar.
In a few months, this weather can also cause a decrease in the harvest of stone fruits, as it has altered the trees' natural hibernation process, stated Antonio Moreno, UPA's secretary of agriculture in the Region of Murcia. In fact, there have been occasional blooms since November. According to Moreno, this situation mainly affects extra early and early varieties of apricot and some late peach varieties.
According to UPA, these high temperatures are also harmful in the face of possible frosts in February or March, which are becoming a regular event, causing thermal changes that end up affecting not only the crops but also the trees' health.
Source: cadenaser.com