Extreme weather conditions this summer, such as drought, negatively affected crops throughout the country, so the cherry trees in Petrovaradin leafed and bloomed for the second time this year, even though autumn is just around the corner. This phenomenon is not new, because it has been recorded for the third year in a row in fruit trees, especially those from the rose family, such as sour cherries, apples, pears, apricots, plums and quinces.
Reblooming dangerous
Experts explain that the sudden flowering of fruit trees in late summer or early autumn is the result of changes in temperature, humidity and rainfall. In particular, the cherry trees in Petrovaradin, which were affected by the drought, were intensively watered to overcome the two-and-a-half-month period without rain, which led to their reactivation and re-blooming.
This phenomenon can be dangerous for fruit trees because it depletes their resources, leaving them unprepared for winter. Fruits that bloom out of season require special treatment to reduce damage. Experts recommend that fruit trees that have experienced autumn vegetation be pruned more intensively in the spring. If the fruit tree has bloomed to a greater extent, it is necessary to prune the leaf mass before winter and treat the plant with preparations based on copper in order to preserve its health and prepare it for the cold months.
In addition to weather problems, damage to fruit trees can also be caused by storms, pests such as insects, or improper application of fertilizers. Such situations further exhaust the fruit trees and make them more susceptible to disease and pest attacks during the winter, which can result in greater losses in the following season.
Droughts decimated agricultural crops
The director of the “Zita Srbije” association, Sunčica Savović, pointed out that drought and high temperatures will not bypass farmers this year, with some suffering up to 80% damage. Nevertheless, despite the unfavorable weather conditions, yields are expected to be better than in 2022 and 2017. According to estimates, the corn yield this year could be at least 5.5 tons per hectare, and maybe even close to 6 tons, which is a positive sign for farmers. However, the northern parts of Banat and Bačka will be the most affected, with the biggest losses in the harvest.
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Sunflower proved to be the most resistant crop to this year’s weather challenges, and yields are expected to be in line with last year’s. The production of sunflower oil will be enough to cover three years’ consumption in the country, so a shortage of this product is not expected. When it comes to wheat, the annual production amounts to more than three million tons, while domestic consumption is around 1,700,000 tons, which ensures stability on the wheat and wheat products market.
Farmers are increasingly adapting to climate change, and autumn sowing of rapeseed and barley will proceed according to plan. Sowing of rapeseed is planned on an area of 35,000 to 45,000 hectares. On the other hand, barley traditionally occupies around 100,000 hectares, which ensures continuity in production despite the challenges caused by climate change.
Source: boljazemlja.com
