The Ministry refers to the forecast of frosts of up to -3 degrees Celsius in the near future. In this regard, it proposes to gardeners and winegrowers, where possible, to use fine irrigation and smoke, and in the case of young plantations – also cover materials to mitigate frosts. Biostimulants can also help plants to survive the difficult period.
Experts from Moldova State University generally agree with these standard methods of protection and minimization of damage to the fruit growing sector from spring frosts. However, they note that in conditions where frosts are accompanied by strong winds, smoke is ineffective.
The main criterion is economic effect
In the current situation – a sharp rise in the price of fuel and other production resources – the effect, especially the economic one, should be calculated very meticulously.
Thus, agronomists of fruit-growing farms in the south note that their local weather stations show a prospect of air temperature decrease to +2-0 degrees Celsius; and in the center of the country – to -2 degrees Celsius. In their opinion, the first April cold wave poses a significant risk only for apricot, which is already actively blooming in the southern and central zone of the country. At this stage, it is able to withstand short-term frosts up to -3 degrees Celsius (losing 20-40% of flowers). The first April frosts also pose some risk to peach, but it is a more resistant crop.
Taking into account the (relatively low) degree of risk, specialists of fruit-growing farms and companies supplying resources agree that under the current conditions the most rational variant of loss prevention will be a combination of sanitary protection and biostimulants.
At the same time, some experts believe that the greatest risk for fruit growing due to atmospheric pressure difference, temperature decrease and wind increase is not even frost but poor pollination of fruit crops.
