The state of agriculture in large parts of Austria is poor. Ground frost and temperatures around zero degrees have already caused the first damage. The apricot has been particularly affected – the majority are already damaged, according to the terrifying interim report. Because the frost is not over yet.
The state of Niederösterreich has been particularly affected so far. “Most of the apricots are already damaged,” said Mario Winkler, spokesman for the Austrian hail insurance company. So far there has been little damage to plums and cherries in Niederösterreich. “That’s because they can still tolerate the cold to some extent at this stage,” says Winkler. Further damage is to be expected. “The coming days will be decisive,” the hail insurance said.
So far, only a few measures have been taken in Lower Austria. So far its use has been limited to wind machines. “But that didn’t help much,” Winkler said. “Candles were not used because more frosty nights are predicted and candles cannot reach minus five degrees. They also don’t work when the wind is blowing.”
Estimating damage to apricots is difficult because it depends on location and state, Manfred Kohlfürst, president of the Austrian fruit and vegetable trade association, told the APA. “It will no longer be a record harvest,” said the representative of the sector. According to the hail insurance, the apple varieties Early Golden and Topaz are also damaged and particularly sensitive.
Damage to stone fruit in Styria
According to the insurance company, the damage in Burgenland is still limited. However, no countermeasures (irrigation or heating) were taken due to the strong winds, it said. In Styria, hail insurance has already received reports of damage to stone fruit.
The experts at Geosphere Austria predict more frosty nights, especially in the next two days and through Friday. For Wednesday morning, the experts usually expect between minus nine and minus one degree. Early temperatures between minus six and zero degrees are predicted for Thursday, and temperatures may also be below freezing with minus four degrees on Friday.
Kohlfürst is therefore preparing for further damage: “If the next two nights are cold, we will certainly suffer losses.” “Then we can also make a reliable estimate of the amount of damage,” Winkler emphasized.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
