The Chilean Citrus Committee’s initial assessment of the frost which hit the nation’s citrus crop last week points towards some shortfalls across key varieties.
The committee said that 10-15 per cent of the anticipated navel orange and W Murcott volume could be compromised, while 10 per cent of the lemon crop may be lost in addition to 5 per cent of clementine production.
Although it is still too early to estimate the extent of the damage to the fruit, the committee said it was clear that the cold weather did not affect Chile’s entire citrus production.
As such, it said coastal areas were less affected than the interior valleys, while Chile’s north central zone was not affected at all.
Committee members, who represent almost 80 per cent of Chile’s citrus exports, have agreed to follow an action plan intended to prevent the export of fruit damaged by the frost, according to a statement from the organisation.
Such actions include the installation of temperature recorders in the orchards, the temporary suspension of harvesting in orchards affected by low temperatures, and a strict examination of the fruit for compliance with the tolerance levels set for export prior to harvesting and at the packhouse.
The measures implemented are the same than those established after the frosts in 2007, 2010 and 2011 which yielded good results, according to the committee.
The association said it hopes to provide a more more accurate estimate of damage impact as well as a forecast update for the 2013 season during the first week of August.
