Weather conditions this spring have led to the loss of about 60% of the apricot crop in the territory of Cherkasy region.
During their flowering for several days in the region, a decrease in air temperature to 0 ° C was observed, as well as a strong wind. The flowers froze and showered, and the shoots turned black and withered.
Cherries and other fruit trees were not affected, but this year there will be no apricots at all, says Olga Kullab, gardener of the botanical garden.Olga Zubenko, candidate of biological sciences at the CNU named after Bogdan Khmelnitsky, explained the situation with the future lack of apricot harvest for two reasons. Lower temperature and humid weather contributed to the rapid propagation of fungi that hit fruit trees.
In addition, apricot trees were severely damaged by active hard-winged ones, such as hairy alenka and green bronze. These insects feed on flowers. Stone fruit also suffered the attack of a plum sawfly.For information, plum sawfly is widespread throughout Europe and Central Asia. Its larvae live in the fruits, seriously damaging them. One plum sawfly can harm 6 fruits. In a mass attack, these insects can destroy 60-80% of the crop, choosing the best fruits.