Tomato production at risk in South Italy

Temperatures recorded in the last few days in South Italy have been affecting tomato production, in particularly in the area of Tavoliere delle Puglie (Apulia).

“Tomatoes are plants with special temperature needs. They bloom at a minimum temperature of 20 °C and for their fruit growth they need a temperature of 25-28 °C. When temperatures are higher, tomato plants continue to grow but with a fewer number of fruits,” Giorgio Mercuri, national vice-president of Fedagri-Confcooperative explains.

“According to the estimated damage, yields will fall by 20-25% - Mercuri continues – In the last ten days of June, temperatures, far higher than the optimal ones, provoked very poor fruit set and small tomato fruits were rotten on the top. If temperatures reach 40 °C in the next few weeks, there will be more damage.”

Tomato production is also affected by the lack of water. “What was supposed to be one of the most plentiful campaigns, becomes one of the least productive season in the area of Foggia.”