Frost destroys South Korean fruit blossoms

Pear farmers in Sabolguk-myeon, South Korea’s top pear-producing area, are facing severe losses after unexpected cold snaps in late March and mid-April destroyed most blossoms.

According to local media, temperatures plunged to -5.2°C on March 30, damaging over 90% of farms in the region. A second frost on April 13 made things worse, killing late blooms and threatening to deform any remaining fruit.

Farmers estimate this year’s harvest revenue may drop from the usual ₩50 billion ($35 million) to just ₩5 billion. The sharp temperature drop followed an unusually warm mid-March, which triggered early blooming, leaving flowers highly vulnerable when the cold hit.

Wind machines and other frost-prevention methods had little effect. Some orchards report up to 99% blossom sterility. Young farmers with loans are especially impacted.

Other crops like peaches, apples, and plums in nearby regions have also suffered frost damage. Combined with previous wildfires and erratic weather, this raises concerns about another surge in fruit prices, like the one seen last year when pears rose 71.9% and apples 30.2%.

Experts link this damage to climate change, warning that earlier blooming due to warmer weather increases the risk of frost damage. Calls are growing for better climate adaptation policies and stronger insurance coverage to protect farmers from increasingly volatile weather.

source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com

photo: fruitgrowersnews.com