Fruit and vegetables are expected to be harvested earlier than usual in Spain’s Murcia region due to an unusually warm December and January. The agriculture industry says this includes early flowering of trees.
Alfonso Gálvez, secretary general of the Association of Young Farmers of Murcia (Asaja), points out that soil moisture prevents the normal growth of grains and grasses. “High temperatures exacerbate the effects of drought on all crops,” Galvez said, leading to increased irrigation, higher production costs and strain on water resources.
Galvez also points out that the current heat has caused irregular flowering of super-early fruit trees, causing double and triple fruits to appear. “We already saw it last year in early fruits, especially peaches and nectarines,” he added.
In addition to stone fruits, warmer temperatures increase the risk of pests and diseases for vegetables and citrus fruits. Further damage can occur if a sudden frost occurs in February. “Vineyards, olive groves and almond trees lose the moisture they need, impacting their nutritional capacity and expected yields,” Galvez says.
The state meteorological office (Aemet) predicts temperatures in some places in Murcia today between 26 and 28 degrees, well above the normal 17 degrees. This includes the Vega del Segura and Guadalentin Valley areas.
Source: murciatoday.com