Pear Harvest In Portugal Expected to be Damaged from Heat waves and Drought

The high temperatures recorded in Portugal in recent weeks, together with the drought observed in the country for the last 8 months, have caused sharp drops in fruit production, mainly in the west region and specially in the pear Rocha orchards. Producers are concerned about the weather, hoping for rainy days and mild temperatures. By now losts are estimated to be in the range of 30 to 40%, with some producers affirming that they have already lost more than half of their production, although the real numbers should not be known until August. Dry orchards and spoiled fruit is the result that can be observed due to the high temperatures in recent weeks, that have burned tons of fruit. With heat strokes, the tree undergoes water stress, and therefore the fruit does not grow. In addition severe sun kick reduces the commercial value of the fruit, with a considerable part being only sought for industrial usage.