Anticipated Scanty Apple Crop in MV Due to Late Frost - anticipated lower apple crop in MV due to late frost
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a region in northeastern Germany, is known for its abundant apple production. With over 1,500 hectares dedicated to apple farming, it is the main growing area for apples in the region. However, this year's harvest is expected to be significantly lower due to late frosts that occurred during the blossoming season.
According to Rolf Hornig, fruit crop advisor of LMS Agricultural Consulting, a survey of apple growers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern revealed that approximately 15,000 tonnes of apples are expected to be harvested this year, a significant decrease from the average of the past five years, which was 28,000 tonnes.
The late frosts, which occurred at the end of April and beginning of May, have been identified as the primary cause of the weak harvest. These frosts damaged the delicate apple blossoms and young fruitlets, preventing proper fruit development and reducing the potential yield.
The Ludwigslust-Parchim district in the southwest of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has been particularly affected by the late frosts. Large-scale apple growers in this district are expected to be significantly impacted.
Sunburn has also been reported as a result of the late frosts and subsequent warm weather. This additional problem has further reduced the marketing possibilities for the affected apples.
While Poland is the main growing country for apples in Europe, it too has been affected by late frosts, contributing to a similar situation across Europe.
Despite the weak apple harvest in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hornig predicts that nationwide, the apple harvest will be around one million tonnes. This is still lower than the average of the past five years but represents a relatively good harvest for the region as a whole.
Despite the challenges faced by apple growers this year, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern remains an important apple-producing region in Germany. The majority of the harvest is processed into juice, puree, applesauce, and dried fruit, ensuring that the region's apples continue to contribute to the country's food industry.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the decreased apple harvest this year is attributed to late frosts that damaged apple blossoms and young fruitlets, leading to a significant reduction from the average yield of the past five years. Despite the weather-related obstacles, apples are still harvested in Sweden, Poland, and other agrarian regions, which suggests a potential challenge to the European market.
