The trip to Spain was a full immersion in the main citrus fruit production area, where there is a wide variety of species and cultivars.
"The first stop was in Andalusia, and in particular in Huelva. Lately, it has become the favourite area for the leading producers, as it is where the produce ripens first in the Mediterranean area. It is therefore suitable for super-early clementines such as Prenules, Clemenruby, Cultifort, Orogros and Basol, the harvesting of which started the 10-15 September."
Clemenruby during the 20th September harvesting in Huelva.
Quantities are 25% lower than last season because of the heat during June and July, which led to more fruit drops. This will not be a problem at a commercial level though, as new plants start producing each year.
Then it was the turn of Murcia. "There is a lot of land dedicated to the cultivation of super-early clementines. Last year, there was a 10-day delay in ripening, but things got back to normal this year."
Francisco (Paco) Albuixech Navalon, Francesco Perri and Ruben Selma Alberola (Bollo agronomist) in Benifairò de la Valldigna, Valencia.
Up until two-three years ago, the most popular super-early clementines were Prenules, Clemenruby and Basol. "Since then, a few tests showed that Orogros and Cultifort are also very interesting because plants are more vigorous, so they grow quicker and produce bigger grades."
In Spain, bigger grades are the favourite, as smaller ones are not introduced on the market.
On average, super-early clementines last one month, from mid-September to mid-October. The Spaniards start harvesting Clemenules, the most popular variety, from mid-November until the end of January. "The situation is not so positive though, as the high temperature in June led to drops. The production is half what it would normally be and quality will not be so good."
Francisco (Paco) Albuixech Navalon and Francesco Perri in Benifairò de la Valldigna, Valencia.
"There is a gap between mid-October and mid-November, as there are no varieties with a good colour that can be sold with leaves."
On average, super-early clementines last one month, from mid-September to mid-October. The Spaniards start harvesting Clemenules, the most popular variety, from mid-November until the end of January. "The situation is not so positive though, as the high temperature in June led to drops. The production is half what it would normally be and quality will not be so good."
Francisco (Paco) Albuixech Navalon and Francesco Perri in Benifairò de la Valldigna, Valencia.
"There is a gap between mid-October and mid-November, as there are no varieties with a good colour that can be sold with leaves."
But how is Italy taking advantage of this? Is it doing what it can? This question will be debated during the "Evoluzione e prospettive dell'agrumicoltura di domani" convention held on October 10th in Corigliano Calabro.
The Spaniards are unbeatable from the end of January and the end of April with late hybrids Nadorcott/Afourer, Orri and Tango. There are no competitors during this period, which is the most profitable of the entire season."
The Spaniards are unbeatable from the end of January and the end of April with late hybrids Nadorcott/Afourer, Orri and Tango. There are no competitors during this period, which is the most profitable of the entire season."
Production will be good also for what concerns oranges. Early varieties like the Navelina as well as late Navels (Navelate, Lane-late, Navel Powell, Navel Barnfield, Navel Chislett, Navel Rohde) are doing well. In addition, Valencia oranges are available until the end of June.
Contacts:
Francesco Perri, agronomist
Cell.: (+39) 338 4164800
Email: f.scoperri@libero.it
Author: Maria Luigia Brusco
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it
Contacts:
Francesco Perri, agronomist
Cell.: (+39) 338 4164800
Email: f.scoperri@libero.it
Author: Maria Luigia Brusco
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it