Drought conditions in some parts of Chile could cause problems for export fruit crops, a growers’ leader has warned.

Antonio Walker of Fedefruta told Diario Financiero that growers “are seeing lower yields per hectare and inferior fruit condition, which is mainly having an impact on sizing”.

He indicated that Coquimbo and Valparaíso are particularly affected by the dry conditions and he expects avocados, citrus and grapes to suffer as the drought stresses plants and trees.

Chilean research and development organisation FDF is also reporting that region V is likely to suffer and that avocado trees are becoming so stressed that output is likely to be only 50 per cent of usual levels.

According to the Chilean newspaper report, Walker is concerned that weather phenomenon La Niña will continue to make its presence felt until at least June this year.

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