A one month delay in the start of the lemon campaign was registered in the Sele Plain (Salerno) this year.
"The delay was mainly due to the high summer temperatures, but the continuation of such abnormal weather conditions led to a paradox - I had to deal with pathogens and insects, such as the citrus leafminer, which usually never appear in October and November! What is more, as lemons are a remontant species, flowers and ripening fruits are appearing on plants at the same time," explained Iolanda Busillo from a company located on the Sele plain.
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Due to its location and soil and climate conditions, the Sele Plain is home to numerous lemon groves.
Local producer Antonio Antignano added that "the harvesting of Interdonato lemons started around 20 days ago, which is really late. As for yields, quantities are lower due to the late frost in April. Pigmentation is also slow, as there is no longer the right temperature difference between night and day. We have had to make the fruits ripen artificially."
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"The commercial situation is not that bad. Quotations for top-of-the-range Interdonato lemons hover around €2/kg, while Bergamot oranges are driving the market with €2/kg. Italian lemons are available in limited numbers. Despite this and the slow market, consumption is in line with supplies."