The first 2024/25 orange production season forecast update for the São Paulo and Triângulo/Sudoeste Mineiro citrus belt, published by Fundecitrus on Tuesday, stands at 215.78 million boxes of 40.8 kg each, i.e. 16.6 million boxes or 7% less than the volume estimated in May.
"This decrease is due to the smaller size of the fruits, caused by the hot and dry climate. The weather conditions in the first four months of the harvest were even worse than what we forecast in May. There was 31% less rainfall than expected. In addition, high temperatures during fall and winter intensified evapotranspiration, worsening the severity of the drought. Higher temperatures also accelerated fruit ripening, accelerating the harvests. By mid-August, nearly 45% of the crop had already been harvested. Historically, only around 30% of it has been harvested by then," Fundecitrus stated.
"Since the average fruit size decreased from 169 grams to 155 grams, 264 fruits are needed for each 40.8 kg box; that is, 23 oranges more than expected in May."
The forecast update decreased the fruit drop rate from 18.50% to 17.10%. "The advance of the harvest had a positive effect by reducing the drop rate, mainly by reducing losses due to greening," the organization points out.
The Crop Estimation Survey is carried out by Fundecitrus in collaboration with Markestrat and professors from FEA-RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp. You can read the full report at the following link.
For more information:
Fundecitrus
www.fundecitrus.com.br