Peach and apricot trees in France have started flowering ten or even two weeks ahead of schedule. While peach trees are flowering under good conditions, the situation is improving for apricot trees. "We are now using varieties that are less sensitive to the heat that we experienced at the start of the year," explains Muriel Millan, technical manager of Peaches and Apricots of France.
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Some varieties could have benefited from colder temperatures. "January was warm, which caused bud necrosis. Overall, flowering was more heterogeneous than last year, with lower-quality flowers. There has also been a lot of rain in recent weeks. This increases the water reserves in certain regions that really need it but it can also prove complicated for the flowers, which are then more susceptible to fungal development. In the end, flowers will not have been affected by the rain, thanks to the expertise of our growers."
It is still too early to make predictions about the harvest, but the current flowering situation suggests that production will be less abundant than last year. "We remain vigilant, as early flowering can increase the risk of frost. The early flowering also suggests an early start to the season, with less difference between the regions as to when production will start. Growers will certainly have less thinning to do, and we hope to obtain more large calibers. But anything is still possible at this stage."
For more information:
Muriel Millan
AOP Pêches et Abricots de France
Phone: (04) 66 76 90 59
[email protected]