The Coordinator of Agricultural and Livestock Organizations (COAG) of Almeria has warned that the persistent rains in the province in March are already causing damage to some crops, especially vegetable, outdoor, and greenhouse crops, such as broccoli, cucumber, pepper, watermelon, and melon.
The heavy rains at the beginning of spring, with more than 100 liters of water recorded in certain parts of the province, are giving a respite to the reservoirs and swamps' water reserves (although, according to the latest data, they are still at only 10% of their capacity). However, they are also causing damage to various crops. Vegetable crops are being affected by the high levels of humidity, which are bringing with them the proliferation of pests and diseases such as Botrytis and mildew, giving way to symptoms of rotting in the plants. The melon and watermelon crops' situation is worrying; since they are amid the pollination phase, the threat looms more clearly as they are affected by sudden and alternating episodes of humidity-warmth in recent weeks.
"It seems that the problems caused by the continuous and intense rains this month are not going to abate, as the rains are forecast to continue for a few more days next week," stated Andrés Góngora, COAG Almeria's provincial secretary.
Concern for the watermelon and melon season
"Melon and watermelon pollination is being seriously affected. An increase in the area had been announced, but, to date, it is not clear that this increase in the number of hectares planted will lead to an increase in production. The hives are already in place in some farms but pollination is practically impossible under the current weather conditions. It's a real disaster," stated Góngora analyzing the situation in greenhouses and in open-air crops.
More containment tools
COAG Almeria also stated that producers need a wider range of phytosanitary tools to be able to face exceptional situations like this one. "We need exceptional measures that can be enabled when the situation requires it. They would be of great relief to the farmer, helping him face these challenging environmental issues, especially because we have few resources to reverse the current conditions," Góngora stated.
For more information:
Andrés Góngora
COAG Almeria
Tel: +34 619 30 17 54
www.coagalmeria.com