Some 10 days after a cold front passed through the north-west regions of Mexico, only minimal damage has been registered for two varieties of table grapes grown in Sonora.
According to a press release from the Sonora-based Hermosillo Grape Growers Association (Aalpum), bud break was running later than normal when the freezing weather arrived, meaning only a very small percentage of vineyards had exposed foliage when the cold front hit.
“People initially look at the most extreme damage, panic and assume that all the vineyards are equally affected,” said Aalpum director Juan Laborin.
“Bad gossip replaces rigorous observation and thoughtful analysis, and after 10 days we have realised that things are not that bad, so we should have plenty of grapes.”
On the mornings of 4-5 February, Aaplum said only Perlettes and some Flame Seedless were damaged at some locations where secondary buds are pushing on the damaged vines leading to expectations of lower yields from this acreage.
Many locations have reported no damage on Perlettes and Flame Seedless, however, and Aaplum said there are no reports of damage to Sugraones, Red Globes and other varieties.
“It is still too early to make preliminary estimates on the crop size,” added Mr Laborin. “Bunch counts take place during March.”
The official statewide crop estimate will be released at the Sonora Spring Grape Summit, which takes place on 29 April at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Hermosillo.
The Sonoran table grape industry operates over 100 vineyards spread over 8,000m2 in north-west Mexico.
