Weather damage in Italy

Italian growers are reporting significant damage to stone fruit and pears following heavy rain and hail.

The weather in the Piemonte region has caused problems for peaches, plum and apricots, as well as the top fruit.

Some growers fear problems will manifest later in the season, with conditions such as leopard spots on the fruits.

High winds are also causing difficulties, along with low temperatures, with some areas experiencing frosty conditions and production is expected to fall as a result.

However, in the north of Italy, the rainfall has been welcomed, following a dry winter, which had been causing concern. However the weather is reported to have disrupted some plantings on the Po plains.