Frosts that struck a major Argentine fruit growing region in early September are reported to have taken a major slice out of the local industry's pear, peach and plum production.

Website Jornadaonline.com reported the Institute of Rural Development (IDR) had said the 2016-17 season would see far lower volumes than the previous deal.

"The estimated industry's total production for pears, peaches and plums is 170,761 (metric) tons, a figure that will be about 51% lower than that of the 2015-16 campaign," IDR was quoted as saying.

According to the organization's report, the frosts that arrived in the first week of September have resulted in losses representing 44% of peach production, 69% of plum volumes and 44% of the pear crop.

The Uco Valley in Mendoza's central province is said to be the most severely affected by the weather, registering temperatures of -8.1ºC (17ºF).

A total of around 30,000 hectares of farmland were affected in the province, which led the regional government to declare an Agricultural Emergency for all the growers in the affected areas.

IDR's data comes after nearly a month-long investigation throughout November. The organization also highlighted the flowering periods for many of the varieties being monitored were around 20 days earlier than the previous season.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com