Agroclimatic risks for potato cultivation in Peru

The agroclimatic risk forecast for potato cultivation for the period from January to March in various regions of Peru was recently revealed by the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi).

 

On the coastal and the Andean region, it is anticipated that daytime and nighttime thermal conditions will be mostly above normal, with exceptions in the central-western mountains. Precipitation will vary from normal to higher in certain areas of the coast and the northern and central western mountains in January. In February, rainfall is expected to be normal to lower on the coast and much of the Andean region, while in March normal conditions are expected in certain areas of the coast and the mountains, and lower in the southern mountains.

 

On the southern coast, the thermal conditions typical of summer indicate a high risk for potato cultivation from January to March. However, in the irrigated areas of the south coast, where planting is constant throughout the year, the risks would fluctuate between low and medium due to pests associated with warm temperatures.

 

In the northern mountains, conditions will be favorable for the potato agricultural campaign from January to March, with normal to higher rainfall, promoting vegetative development. However, high humidity could increase the risks to a medium level due to phytosanitary diseases. A higher incidence of pests such as the "miner fly" and the "shoot miner" are also expected in March.

 

In the central mountains, January maintains favorable conditions for agricultural development, with low risks. However, damage is expected from hail, excess humidity and strong winds. In February, decreased rainfall could affect flowering and tuberization, increasing the risks to a high level. In March, the rains would favor ripening and harvest, with risks estimated between low and medium.

 

For the southern mountains and highlands, January presents medium risks due to lower rainfall and possible extreme events. In February and March, the conditions of lower rainfall and warm temperatures will affect the development of the plantations, increasing the risks to medium and high levels, especially in February.

 

 

 

 

 

source: agraria.pe