The weather is a determining factor in the development of crops. Extreme temperatures can compromise vital plant processes, spoiling crops or causing drop of production and quality.
Losses caused by frost, especially in citrus fruits, are quantified over the years that they occur in thousands of euros. Foresight and constant attention to weather forecasts can help us face and mitigate these damages.
From EDYPRO we have put together some tips that may be useful to apply to crops that are most sensitive to frost, such as citrus fruits or avocados.
- Keep the crop hydrated with an adequate irrigation frequency. If the plant is well hydrated and receives water regularly, even if it is exposed to a frost, under that layer of ice, it will still have access to water and will maintain adequate protection at its roots.
- It is very important not to fertilize with nitrogen or stimulate the plant prior to frost and while it lasts.
- Activate the immune system of the plants so that it has adequate self-defense that allows it to continue performing its vital functions and continue “working”. In horticultural crops in greenhouses, this can be achieved with the application of PROCUAJE RADICULAR 20 L./ha, 72 or 48 hours before the frost and repeat every 4-5 days.
In citrus fruits, the foliar application of ENDOFOSFITO 5 L / 1000 L, HYDROCAL 2 L / 1000 L and MELASTOP at 1.5 L / 1000 L is a true energy cocktail to increase plant´s self-defense. - In the case of new plantations, at times when the plant is most fragile if we subject it to low temperatures, its vital functions are likely to be compromised. In citrus and lemons it is recommended to plant once the frost period has ended so that the tree suffers less from the stress of transplantation and this is carried out in optimal temperature conditions.
- Install physical barriers. In horticultural crops in greenhouses, thermal padding (use of thermal blankets) or heat sources can be used.
For some crops, such as avocado, sprinkler irrigation can be used. It is a specific installation to combat frost. The ice formed by the sprinkler irrigation water creates a protective film on the tree, preventing the temperature under this film from falling below 0ºC. - Hire a good agricultural insurance. Unfortunately, in the face of a very significant drop in temperatures, little can be done to protect crops. An insuarrance with good coverage will allow the farmer to confront the problems arising from a frost with ease and compensation in the event of a claim will compensate for the economic losses.
If you need more advice to protect your crops from low temperatures without affecting their quality or you need our technicians to design a custom plan for this situation, contact us here.