The Chilean Citrus Committee has called on growers to stop harvesting in orchards affected by low temperatures last week, which fell to -4°C (24.8°F) in some areas.

A release from the committee said some citrus producing valleys were affected in the V (Valparaiso), Metropolitana and VI (O'Higgins) regions.

The committee said if damages were observed in new shoots with temperatures of  -1.5°C (29.3°F) and -2°C (28.4°F) were registered for lemon and citrus plants respectively, there could be a "real risk" of internal fruit damage.

"Under these conditions growers should stop harvests for at least 10 days and evaluate the internal damage caused in the fruit. This is in order to avoid exporting damaged fruit, and thus protecting Chile's reputation as a quality citrus provider in different international markets," the release said.

The committee has made a manual available to growers and exporters that explains how to deal with frost issues.

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