Gray mold affects strawberry crops

The cold, cloudy, and foggy weather has impacted strawberry production in Rio Grande do Sul, resulting in low productivity and rising prices. There is a "high incidence of problems, such as fruit rot and leaf spots," as well as smaller-caliber fruits, hindering supply to usual markets. The information comes from the Conjunctural Report by Emater/RS-Ascar, released this Thursday (12). In the Emater/RS-Ascar administrative region of Caxias do Sul, the harvest was limited, and prices remained high, ranging between R$ 30.00 and R$ 40.00/kg in direct sales to consumers, and between R$ 25.00 and R$ 30.00/kg for Ceasa, intermediaries, and markets. In Lajeado, in the municipality of Feliz, cultivation is in the off-season, with producers finalizing the planting of new seedlings, including lots imported from Spain. Climatic conditions have not been favorable due to rain and high humidity, although lower temperatures are considered normal for the season. There are no reports of ...