In the wake of the May frosts, Ukraine’s fruit and vegetable plantations have faced a series of challenges. From May 9th to the present, nocturnal temperatures have plunged below freezing across the majority of the country, exerting a significant toll on these vital agricultural sectors. Reports indicate a spectrum of negative temperatures, from -2°C to -8°C, affecting diverse regions. EastFruit’s analysts have engaged with local agriculturalists to gauge the extent of the frost’s impact.
The western territories have experienced night temperatures descending to -5°C, a threshold deemed perilous for the survival of early fruit and berry varietals. Concurrently, even late-harvest crops have not been spared, suffering minimal yet noteworthy damage. Moving eastward, the narrative grows grimmer, with horticulturists lamenting over 30% anticipated losses in apple yields and even more pronounced harm to pear groves.
Read also: Stone fruits hit hard by unexpected May frosts in Ukraine
The frost has not been indiscriminate, inflicting targeted damage to the horticultural landscapes of Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia. Here, nocturnal mercury levels have dipped to -3°C, teetering on the brink of what plant shoots can endure. Some orchards are facing near-total devastation of their forthcoming plum harvests, while cherry producers brace for a halving of their yields. This region also reports significant anticipated deficits in cucumber, zucchini, and mid-season cabbage crops, with farmers considering replanting strategies to salvage what remains of the growing season.
Meteorological forecasts suggest that these sub-zero nocturnal temperatures will persist across a broader expanse of Ukraine for several more days. Optimistically, a shift towards milder, more agronomically favorable conditions is predicted thereafter. However, the current risk to the nation’s fruit, berry, and vegetable yields cannot be understated.
For an in-depth analysis of the frosts’ repercussions on blueberry and raspberry farms, turn to the insights provided by EastFruit’s specialists.
Maintain full control over fruit and vegetable prices in Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Russia, Moldova and other markets subscribing to EastFruit Premium.
