In northwestern Turkey, including Istanbul, an unseasonal rise in temperatures to 18 degrees Celsius has led to the premature blooming of fruit trees. This phenomenon, particularly noted in Edirne's Keşan district, has been attributed to a "false spring." Lütfü Açar, Vice President of the Agricultural Consultants Association of Turkey (TAR-DER) and an agricultural engineer, highlighted the abnormal development, stating that the trees were misled into blooming early. Açar explained the typical annual growth cycle of plants and trees, emphasizing the need for a physiological chill period for proper budding and blooming later in the season.
Açar also discussed the broader implications of climate change on seasonal patterns, noting the early blooming of almond and plum trees as a direct consequence. He warned of potential yield losses due to sudden temperature drops or frost events, underscoring the importance of adapting farming practices to the changing climate. Açar advocated for adjustments in agricultural techniques and proactive measures to mitigate the risks posed by climate change on crop production.
Source: hurriyetdailynews.com