Heat Wave in Spain Leads to Colour and Quality Issues on Apples

Spain is experiencing the second heat wave within a two-month period that is affecting almost the entire country. Most of the horticulture intensive areas have received unseasonably high temperatures, negatively affecting fruit quality and production. Apples and pears in the Lérida region are in the fruit development stage with high temperatures affecting fruit color. The Gala apple varieties will not achieve the desired colour for the European market, but will be good for the Colombian market which appreciates stripes and less color. The high temperatures and lack of cold units will also negatively impact the storage capabilities of apples and pears for the 2022 season, likely leading to shorter storage periods before presenting with quality issues. Fruit quality is likely to suffer with a smaller portion of the harvest expected to reach the fresh market instead heading for processing.