The frost in late February and March 2018 badly affected apricot cultivation in Emilia Romagna. Volumes were abundant in 2017, so much so that some people expected that the segment was going to pick up. But production is now expected to be very low in 2018.
"Varieties such as Faralia and Farbaly will produce almost zero fruit because of the weather. It's difficult to make an estimate, but I think we have to expect a drop of 80% for early varieties," explains Luca Molinari, technician for Consorzio Agrario Adriatico.
Monilia didn't cause particular damage as it needs humidity and higher temperatures to spread, and spring hasn't been very warm in central-northern Italy so far.
"The varieties with less problems are Kyoto and Flopria, as they tolerate thermal stress more and are more suitable for areas with sudden temperature changes."
"The varieties with less problems are Kyoto and Flopria, as they tolerate thermal stress more and are more suitable for areas with sudden temperature changes."
Producer Fabrizio Casadio is assessing the damage in his 16 hectare crop. "I believe some early varieties have been hit hard. I won't compare this year to 2017, as production was perfect. Losses are considerable for Lady Cot and Pricia as well. However, to make a more precise assessment, we will have to wait for May 10th-15th with the last drop."
With the frost in February and March, Casadio turned on his fans. "Although some said that they were useless with this frost, I checked that the temperature was 1.6°C higher than in other orchards."