Damage caused by hail in southern parts of Catalonia around Lerida nearly two weeks ago has been assessed and the main area of production in the province around Benisset has suffered 90 per cent damage to its peach and nectarine crop, according to Spanish press reports.

In all some 3,000ha of orchards were hit and damage has also been done to the summer pear crop, most notably Limonera as well as some apple trees.

The effects of hail were compounded by high winds and rainfall that struck peaches and nectarines that were mature enough to pick. Co-ops in the area report a later than usual start to the season because of late frosts in March.

Cherries have been particularly hard hit as crops had already been reduced by the spring frosts.

Growers had hoped to gain premiums for their early season production especially given the shortage in volumes from Italy and Greece.

A further blow is that variety trials on going as part of investigations into obtaining PGI status for peaches and nectarines from the Ribera d'Ebre have been all but wiped out by the inclement conditions.

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