Temperatures were higher than usual in July and August, with heat waves that forced Almeria's tomato producers to delay planting in greenhouses for the October harvests.
According to estimates, about 80% of the tomato that will be harvested for the autumn export campaign was planted this week, the 35th week of the year. These are the productions that will be harvested from the middle and end of October and that represent the bulk of volumes nationwide until the end of winter.
Tomatoes are the second greenhouse crop in the province of Almeria. Initial estimates suggest that the area devoted to this crop will remain quite similar to last year, at around 9,000 hectares, and that the branch and pear type will predominate.
Prevention measures against viruses and pests are becoming increasingly more necessary because of the Tomato Brown Rugose virus and the 'new thrip.'
At the moment, tomatoes are being produced in higher areas, but with more limited quantities, until the autumn programs begin, which could be delayed between a week and 10 days this year, as the plantations have been delayed.
