Croatia’s Neretva Valley is preparing for the start of the mandarin harvest, with picking expected to begin within the next two to three weeks. Growers expect an average overall crop, although weather conditions and pest pressure have affected the season.
A dry spring and summer, combined with prolonged periods of high temperatures and solar radiation, have affected orchards. Early mandarin varieties in particular are showing smaller fruit sizes.
Growers are also monitoring Mediterranean fruit fly pressure. The pest can damage citrus fruit and affect its appearance and marketability. Producers have raised concerns that organised control measures have not been implemented to the extent they consider necessary.
The Neretva Valley is one of Croatia’s main citrus-growing regions, with mandarin cultivation supporting growers, seasonal workers, packing operations, and other businesses in the agricultural supply chain.
The approaching harvest follows a hot summer that has affected agricultural cultivation in parts of Croatia. While the overall mandarin yield is currently expected to be around average, uncertainty remains over fruit size, quality, and potential pest damage.
Weather conditions and Mediterranean fruit fly pressure in the period before harvesting will influence the final crop quality.
Source: www.freshplaza.com
