Cherries in Franconia: Drought threatens harvest and prices!

Cherries in Franconia: Drought threatens harvest and prices!

The drought has put a lot of strain on Franconian cherry farmers this year. Weeks of lack of rainfall ensured that the cherries remained smaller and consequently lower prices were achieved in stores. Jonas Maußner, head of the Franconian Switzerland Fruit Information Center, emphasizes that young trees urgently need rain to avoid dying. Especially now that the cherries are clearly visible, water is needed for growth until mid-June.

Without sufficient rainfall, there is a risk of fruit being dropped, which further endangers the crop, which is already vulnerable to the weather. The harvest quantity of cherries fluctuates greatly. However, frost damage and pest infestation have not been a problem so far this year.

Irrigation as the key to success

The current situation makes it clear that irrigation is becoming increasingly important. Efficient irrigation systems such as drip hoses are recommended to minimize evaporation. Maußner also emphasizes the importance of storing water in winter, which has numerous advantages. The information center even stores runoff water from hall roofs for irrigation. These processes are now computer-controlled, which enables precise control.

Optimal irrigation makes a decisive contribution to a good harvest. According to experts, halt in the growth of shoots or severe rubble can be reduced by timely watering. A combination of irrigation with Fertigation, i.e. the application of fertilizer via the irrigation system, can provide important support in unfavorable weather conditions. Fertigation makes it possible to deliver fast-acting fertilizer directly to the site of action, thereby helping to improve plant health.

A look at the growing area

Franconian Switzerland is one of the largest cherry growing regions in Europe. Around 250,000 cherry trees thrive in an area of ​​around 25 square kilometers. The price for Franconian cherries in summer depends heavily on the international market situation, although the import of cherries from Turkey can have a significant impact on the market.

The persistent drought not only leads to concerns about the quality of the harvest, but also makes it clear how important a well-thought-out irrigation concept is. For example, combining sub-canopy irrigation with canopy coverage can not only optimize the harvest, but also prevent frost damage. The path to a successful cherry harvest leads more than ever through innovative irrigation techniques and an adapted cultivation strategy.