Stonefruit growers stateside are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season, but it is too early for the industry to peg any firm figures on crop volumes.
Weather conditions in California to date have been “superb”, according to insiders, with temperatures regularly reaching 20oC. The amount of chill hours has been plentiful, the blooms are out, and the quality of the fruit looks very positive.
It is anticipated crop volume will reach similar levels to last year, although Californian growers expect to have more definitive information available from mid-April.
Meanwhile, in the US’s North West, fruit industry research scientists have said cherry growers have enjoyed the best autumn and winter for tree health that they have seen in the past 10 years.
There is reportedly potential for a large crop of good-quality cherries this year, although reaching last year’s 15 million, 201b-carton crop is weather dependent.
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