A temperature fluctuation of about 50 degrees in a few weeks: early February temperatures in Piedmont were lower than -20 °C for many days, while in the last week of the month reached +23 °C. Confagricoltura technicians are at work to monitor the plant trend of crops in view of the spring and after a definitely unusual winter.In the province of Cuneo, where the most important temperature fluctuation occurred (from -23 °C to +27 °C) and fruit growing is more developed, the situation is compromised. In particular 90% of kiwifruit crops are affected. This is data that worsens the trend of a year already affected by Psa. Cuneo is the second Italian province for kiwifruit growing, with a turnover of EUR 120 million.
Other compromised fruit crops are nectarines (50% destroyed by frost) and plums (25%), although in this last case Piedmont production is limited. As for apples and pears, it is necessary to wait a few more weeks; in any case a -10% could be recorded.
Starting from the beginning of the week, temperatures are again decreased and the weather forecast speaks about snow at low level. In many areas crops are under control: frost could compromise them irreversibly and only in the blooming phase it will be possible to verify their development.