Climate is a determining factor in crop development. Extreme temperatures can compromise vital plant processes, ruining crops or causing a decrease in production and quality.
The losses caused by frost, especially to citrus and sour fruits, amount to thousands of euros in the years they occur. Forecasting and constant attention to weather predictions can help us mitigate and address these damages.
From EDYPRO We have gathered some tips that may be useful to apply to crops that are more sensitive to frost, such as citrus fruits or avocados.
- Keep the plants hydrated with regular watering. If the plant is well-hydrated and receives water regularly, even if exposed to frost, it will still have access to water beneath the ice, maintaining adequate protection for its roots.
- It is very important not to apply nitrogen fertilizer or stimulate the plant before frosts and while they occur.
- Activate the immune system of plants so that they have adequate self-defense mechanisms that allow them to continue performing their vital functions and continue working. In greenhouse horticulture, This is achieved through the application of ROOT PROCUJI 20 L./ha, 72 or 48 hours before frost and repeat every 4-5 days.
In sour, foliar application of ENDOPHOSPHITE 5 L/1000 L, HYDROCAL 2 L/1000 L and MELASTOP At 1.5 L/1000 L it is a real energy cocktail to boost self-defense. - In the case of new plantings, when the plant is most fragile, exposing it to low temperatures can compromise its vital functions. For citrus and lemon trees, it is recommended to plant once the frost period has ended so that the tree suffers less from transplant shock and the transplanting takes place under optimal temperature conditions.
- Install physical barriers. In greenhouse crops, thermal mulches (using thermal blankets) or heat sources can be used.
For some crops, such as avocados, sprinkler irrigation can be used. This is a specific system designed to combat frost. The ice formed by the sprinkler water creates a protective film over the tree, preventing the temperature beneath it from dropping below 0°C. - Take out good agricultural insurance. Unfortunately, with a significant drop in temperatures, there's little that can be done to protect crops. A policy with good coverage will allow farmers to face the problems caused by frost with peace of mind, and the compensation in case of a claim will offset the financial losses.
If you need more advice on protecting your crops from low temperatures without affecting their quality, or if you need our technicians to design a customized plan for this situation, Contact us here.
