The weather phenomenon known as El Niño is causing above average temperature increases in Peru, making the critical flowering period for mangos very challenging according to a producers. Climatologists report that the El Niño system is already upon the country with the rest of the year pointing to hotter and drier conditions.
According to Milton Calle, Director of Exotic's Producers & Packers SAC in Peru, they have seen very little flowering of the mango trees, which is worrying and will have a negative impact on the next harvest.
“Peru has a difficult situation. The climate is difficult for mango cultivation. The high temperature will make flowering difficult. Peru’s mango industry is very worried about the Niño phenomenon and their consequences. The high temperatures are not good for the Kent flowering. The temperatures are three and four centigrade above normal conditions with a minimum of 19 and maximum of between 32-34 degrees Celsius.”
The flowering period is a sensitive time with too much heat that can lead to less flowering and potentially lower volumes available for harvesting once fruit forms. Exotic's Producers & Packers in Peru are producers and packers of mainly avocado and mango.
"If Nino Costero reaches until summer during December to March it is possible rains and this situation will affect the crop. The rains fall in summer, while flowering is in June to August, during June to August there is no rains, normally it is cold with a minimum of 16 to 17 Degrees Celsius, but this year it is 22 degrees in Piura. The main area of mango cultivation with 70% of production is in Piura," Calle concludes.
For more information:
Milton Calle
Exotic Producers and Packers S.A.C.
Email: mcallecosechasegura@gmail.com