tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066248000107340783.post5025437239100715351..comments2020-02-10T14:04:12.363-05:00Comments on Agricultural Emergency Report: Freeze Report Update 4, Jan.7AG-ER Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02300962973521381562noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066248000107340783.post-81315486717327361942010-01-07T14:20:15.545-05:002010-01-07T14:20:15.545-05:00SW Florida - Jan
Around Labelle/Immokalee (Colli...SW Florida - Jan <br /><br />Around Labelle/Immokalee (Collier, Hendry, Lee Counties), temperatures dropped to freezing by midnight, rebounded as some cloud cover moved into the area and then began a slow fall to a low 29/30 degrees at sunrise of Jan 6, accompanied by a hard frost.<br /><br />Crop damage was significant but variable from site to site. Many tomaotoes, peppers, eggplants had tops frozen some severely in other places only a few leaves were frosted. Tender crops like corn, beans, squash were destroyed in some places. Again damage was variable reflecting microclimates. In some instances a portion of a field was frozen and other parts spared.<br /><br />Many growers covered crops and these faired well.<br /><br />In addition to freeze daamge, the past 8 - 10 days of temps below 45 degrees have knocked bloom off surviving plants and this will be reflected in reduced yield. Also anticipate that fruit quality will be compromised down the road. <br /><br />Also expect to see increased problems with diseases as growers have held water up for an extended period of time damaging roots. Frost damaged foliage will also be more susceptible to disease.<br /><br />Cane also suffered significant damage. Some 4 -5 month old cane was frozen to the ground. This sort of damage will result in significant yield reduction in next years crop.<br /><br />Pastures were injured which may result in livestock ownwer having to supplement feed in coming weeks.<br /><br />Last night cloud cover moderated temps and only light patchy frost was seen.<br /><br />Temps in Glades and Charlotte county were colder and crop damage greater with most vegetable destroyed if not covered.Gene McAvoyhttp://hendry.ifas.ufl.edunoreply@blogger.com