Potatoes: Significant damage to early plantings

The damage caused to the crops of Messinia by the frost in the last days is significant, according to the first reports of the General Directorates of Rural Economy And Veterinary Services of Messinia and Trifylia, after spot checks carried out.

In particular, as the  Messinia General Directorate of Rural Economy And Veterinary Services notes in a relevant document, the largest percentage of spring potato plantings is in the early stage of pre-emergence – sprouting, and the losses in production from frost at this stage will be small, to some extent.

In the earliest plantings, from the 2nd fortnight of November to the beginning of December, the damage to the aboveground plant is extensive from the very low temperatures, which reached -5⁰ C and lasted for many hours. The regrowth will be delayed, maybe a month and the final production will be low. There may be cases where crops will be replaced.

Spring potato growers who expect early production and a better price and consequently higher income, despite being in their fields under frost protection measures, have not been able to prevent frost problems.

Finally, it seems that there is some damage to citrus fruits, but these will be able to be evaluated after two months.

In Trifylia

In a corresponding document, the Trifylia General Directorate of Rural Economy And Veterinary Services also noted that on January 25 and 26, due to the low temperatures, damage was caused to greenhouse crops.

The damages are located in the area of Filiatra. Pepper crops in greenhouses in an area of ​​10 acres were damaged, according to the said Directorate, which notes that it monitors the evolution of crops on a daily basis.