Unseasonal May frosts have damaged potato crops in Ukraine's Rivne region. According to local farmers, even crops covered with agrotextile were not fully protected, with leaves turning black due to freezing temperatures.
"The situation with the May frosts has been difficult for farmers. This year has clearly shown how decisive weather is for agriculture," said Andrii Kuzmych, head of the Rivne Association of Farmers and Private Landowners. "A strong anticyclone hit our region, and frost persisted for nearly five consecutive nights. A significant portion of the potato crops, including those covered with agrotextile, had already sprouted and were damaged by frost. We saw leaf damage where it touched the covering."
Despite the losses, Kuzmych remains cautiously optimistic, noting a good chance for crop regeneration.
"There is a high probability that the potato plants will recover – what we call 'rejuvenation'. However, it will certainly affect yields and delay maturity," he explained. "Even when average daily temperatures hover around +8°C, the plants experience stress and stop growing, which also negatively impacts the harvest."
Farmers are already applying recovery measures, including growth stimulants, humates, and anti-stress treatments to prevent fungal diseases.
Greenhouse crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants have also been affected. Farms without proper heating systems have lost seedlings.
Source: www.prorivne.rv.ua