Frosts affect cherries in Castilla y León

The Caderechas Valley (Castilla y León, Spain) has recently faced freezing temperatures on two occasions since the blossoms of its more than 50,000 cherry trees began to fruit. These frosts have impacted about 30% of total production, mainly affecting low areas such as Salas de Bureba, Cantabrana and Terminón.

 

Juan José Gandía, president of the Association of Producers and Traders, pointed out that temperatures of -1 and -3 degrees have mainly damaged the most exposed branches. He stressed that the next two weeks will be decisive in determining the development of the fruit. He pointed out that trees often discard cherries affected by frost, even if it is not outwardly noticeable. The true effect will be seen later.

 

Growers remain hopeful due to forecasts of maximum temperatures that would reach 20 degrees and expected rains, which would favor the recovery of the cherry trees. Although the situation is complicated, it is anticipated that harvesting of early varieties could begin at the end of May. However, uncertainty will not dissipate until the fruit is harvested, remembering that in previous years there have been total losses due to severe frosts.

 

On the other hand, crops such as apple trees seem to have withstood the low temperatures, while plum production could face 90% losses due to its high sensitivity to cold. The situation of walnut trees and walnut production is still to be evaluated after the recent frosts.