The apricot forest is buzzing and buzzing: everywhere in the country the sweet drupe is in full bloom, countless insects are buzzing busily from flower to flower – even though the flowering time is earlier than last year. Despite the good early start, farmers are keeping a close eye on thermometers and weather forecasts.
“The flowering time this year is about twelve days earlier than last year,” reports Hermann Steiner from Scharten. “The winter was so mild towards the end that the bees were already in full swing.” The spring-like weather literally caused the blossoms to explode, and this is already coming to an end on early varieties. Despite the high humidity, conditions have been very favorable so far this year.
Great danger of early start
But the earlier the start, the greater the risk: “During the flowering period the plant can withstand cooler temperatures, but is most sensitive when the fruit is still very small,” explains Johannes Gruber from Marillenhof Gruber in Niederneukirchen. “The sooner this phase comes, the greater the risk of temperatures dropping below zero at night.”
Just a few hours are enough
Then not much is needed: a few hours too cold is enough to cause major disruptions. “Greenhouses are an option to safeguard the harvest, but they are too expensive for mass production and also damage the landscape,” adds Rudolf Wiesmayr from Scharten. At the moment, farmers see no reason to worry: “The temperatures are dropping again, but it shouldn’t be really dangerous for the apricots in the next ten days!” is the tenor.
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.
