In Brazil's Erechim region, citrus producers are grappling with significant adversities due to excessive rainfall, leading to poor flower fruiting and the dropping of young fruits. The Emater/RS-Ascar Economic Information, under the State Secretariat for Rural Development (SDR), highlighted concerns over greening near the Santa Catarina border. Despite a forecasted decrease in fruit volume, the quality remains high with plans to expand the current 168 hectares of bergamot cultivation.
Conversely, the Frederico Westphalen area sees citrus orchards thriving in fruit development, thanks to favorable weather in recent months. Citrus farmers have been engaging in phytosanitary treatments, pruning, bergamot thinning, and fertilization. However, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains, hail, lack of sunlight, and suboptimal phytosanitary practices, coupled with nutritional deficiencies, are likely to diminish productivity.
Initially, a 40% loss was anticipated, but further assessments have adjusted this estimate to 30% for Valencia and Folha Murcha varieties, with Iapar 73 and Salustiana varieties facing a slightly lesser impact of 20% loss. Umbigo Bahia and Monte Parnaso varieties are also expected to see a 40% reduction from the initial 25 tons per hectare estimate.
Source: abrafrutas.org