Late April Frost Across Europe Raises Concerns for Stone Fruit Production

Before the final week of Apr-24, many parts of Europe experienced a sudden wave of low temperatures, accompanied by rain, daytime snowfall, and nighttime frost. This late cold snap was unexpected following the warmest winter of the past decade and the early spring weather in Mar-24, which led to an abrupt and irregular awakening of tree cultivation, causing irregular blossoming and fruit bonding. While it's still too early to determine the extent of damage caused by this late frost to stone fruit orchards, farmers remained vigilant until the end of Apr-24. They are prepared to take protective measures, such as adding warmth to the orchard trees, and monitor the consequences before attempting any fruit thinning.