Production of both Pink Lady and Granny Smith in the Spanish apple-growing area of Lerida is expected to rise by seven per cent in the crop year 2007-08 compared to last season. The first official crop forecast for the area has been released ahead of the Prognosfruit European apple conference in Lithuania on August 2 by the Catalonian agriculture authorities.

The two varieties are the only ones in the region that are forecast to see their volumes rise on last season as the overall apple crop in Lerida, which is Spain’s principal dessert apple growing area, is forecast to fall by 11 per cent. Frosts on the nights of March 22 and 23 affected red apple varieties particularly badly and as a result volumes are expected to be 33 per cent down on last season as the effects of grubbing are also felt.

Golden Delicious is the biggest volume variety in the area and its production is forecast to fall by 10 per cent. “Blossoming took place in the second half of April which coincided with weather conditions that were not favourable for good pollination and fruit set,” the agriculture department of the Catalonia regional executive said in a statement. “Specifically, this period was characterised by unseasonably low temperatures, wind and rain.” Some 330ha of Golden Delicious has been grubbed this season and only 180ha planted, which have not entered into production yet.

Gala and other early varieties are expected to see a three per cent increase in yields despite the grubbing of considerable acreage. Fuji is also expected to show an increase in volume.

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