California Citrus Mutual has confirmed the first spate of sub-freezing weather for the winter season will result in damage to the San Joaquin Valley’s US$1.5bn citrus crop.
Temperatures in California plummeted into the negatives for the sixth consecutive night on Sunday, increasing damage to the already weakened fruit.
Citrus Mutual said the region’s navel oranges crop is expected to make it out of the freeze with some damage, the extent of which will be determined in the coming weeks. The trade association believes the mandarin crop will be subject to a greater degree of damage.
Over the course of the six night period, wind machines ran for an average of 56 hours, prompting fears mechanical issues would prohibit frost protection efforts. Additionally, growers remain concerned the delivery of fuel supplies to power wind machines may become limited.
Nevertheless, Citrus Mutual president Joel Nelsen said the industry has maintained cautious optimism.
“The cold weather we are experiencing now is by no means comparable to the severe temperatures and damage incurred in 1990 and 1998,” Nelsen said.“The frost protection technology we have today has allowed producers to better prepare for freeze conditions and protect the crop from serious damage.”
Nelsen estimated the overall cost to the industry for the six nights of frost protection would be close to US$23m.
