The climatic phenomenon of frost in Morocco, known locally as "jriha", is becoming increasingly pronounced, due to climate change and the climatic accidents the country is experiencing. Elkissani Kaoutar, CEO of Mavor, reports on the situation.
"The frost phenomenon has always been problematic for Moroccan growers. However, since 2014, we've been increasingly noticing extremely low temperatures sometimes at unaccustomed periods. On average, frost occurs for 100 hours annually, and the duration is getting longer from one season to the next."
Elkissani adds, "The climate has become unpredictable and severely impacts growers of different crops. For example, frost occurs between December and February for avocado and blueberry growers in greenhouses, and from late March to May for stone fruits and top fruits, such as apple, pear, plum, peach, nectarine, and others."
According to the equipment supplier, the frost affects every stage of maturity and growth, with critical temperatures ranging from -4 to 2 degrees. She adds, "The regions most affected in Morocco are Gharb and Atlas. These are the regions that make the most use of our services; we are currently protecting 700 hectares in Gharb and 1500 hectares between Midelt, Boumia, Immouzer region, and Sefrou."
Solutions to prevent frost damage can be mechanical or thermal, according to Elkissani. She explains, "We offer several solutions such as air stirring, exploiting the climatic phenomenon of inversion, by using large ventilators to recover the difference in temperature between the layers and add a few degrees to the temperature of the orchard.
Another means of control is heating via paraffin candles, a solution we offer in two sizes."
"Our solutions are proven effective and long-lasting. In fact, our first anti-forst installation dates back to 1989, for an apple grower in the Immouzer region, and is still working to this day," Elkissani concludes.
For more information:
Elkissani Kaoutar
Mavor
Tel: +212 620-195959
Email: [email protected]
www.mavor.ma
www.frostctrl.com