Grape producers in southern Peru, especially in Ica, have faced an unusually cold year; a scenario not contemplated in their forecasts. Elizabeth Miranda, commercial manager of Agrobusiness International Peru and advisor of Vivero Los Viñedos, said that these weather conditions have caused issues for almost all varieties. The Allison variety, noted for its almost perfect combination of fertility, yield, and post-harvest quality, has been the most affected because of its sensitivity to cold during the growing stage, followed by Sweet Globe, the most planted variety.
This situation has caused problems in the field, especially in the crops pruned at the end of May that now face six-degree temperatures. Miranda has recommended increasing the dose of cytokinin in green buds and flowering, always accompanied by algae or amino acids. She also suggested using a mixture of brassinosteroids and cyanamide as a preventive measure.
This year's difficulties are diametrically opposite to the issues caused by last year's excess radiation and temperature. The abiotic stress caused by the cold threatens the number of clusters per plant and their proper development. The low temperatures can also affect the grapes' caliber, just as it's affecting the late-pruned blueberries in the country's north. The goal for this season is to ensure the grapes grow under cold conditions, Miranda concluded.
Source: agraria.pe