The first re-estimation of the orange crop of 2020/21 citrus belt of São Paulo and Triangle / South West Mining, published by Fundecitrus on Thursday (10), indicates production of 286 720 000 40.8 kg boxes. The number is 0.36% lower than estimated in May 2020 and 25.87% lower compared to the previous harvest, which is one of the most severe breaches of production of the last ten years. The total harvest, about 20.54 million boxes will be produced in the Triangle Mineiro.
Rainfall regime and fruit growth
The average weight of early oranges was higher than originally projected due to the rains that occurred between May and June, just before the harvest. According to data from Somar Meteorologia, the accumulated rainfall varied between regions, with lower absolute values and more toward the northern citrus park.
The cumulative index was 150 200 mm in the regions of Itapetininga Avare and Duartina; 55-80 millimeters Porto Ferreira, Limeira, Brotas, Sao Jose do Rio Preto and Matao; from 30 to 50 millimeters Votuporanga, cooler and Altinopolis; and just over 20 millimeters in the Triangle Mineiro. In this portion of the citrus belt in Minas Gerais, the use of irrigation helped overcome the lower rainfall in about 80% of the area is irrigated.
In July, the dry weather settled across the citrus belt and the accumulated rainfall over the month was less than 10 mm on average in the regions. In August, day remained dry and hot, but three regions that have significant rainfall: Itapetininga (140 millimeters), Duartina (108 millimeters) and Avare (93 millimeters).
The coordinator of the Crop Estimation Survey (PES) Fundecitrus, Vinicius Trombin explains that besides the rain scarce in July and August, the forecast until the time of publication of the re-estimation, points to the lack of rainfall with significant volumes in next 15 days. “The water deficit in most citrus belt should inhibit the growth of oranges, which should be taken with lower weight compared to projected. At least 70% of the crop has not been harvested. “
Fruit per box and drop rate
Considering all varieties, the average size designed in May of 257 fruits per box, equivalent to oranges with an average weight of 159 grams, the same in this re-estimation remains as the weight gain of the fruits of early should be offset by weight reduction the other varieties. “If this average weight is confirmed as the harvest progresses, oranges will be about 6% lower than the last five seasons, an average of 169 grams,” says Trombin.
The field survey data show that in August, the harvest reached 25% of the production rate below the 35% recorded in the same period last year. The harvest of early varieties Hamlin, Westin and Ruby reached 97%; other early, American Valencia, Seleta and Pineapple, 66%; Pear River, 13%; Valencia and Valencia leaf wilt, 3%; and Christmas, 2%.
The projection of the fruit drop rate rose from 17% to 17.30%, on average, considering all varieties. This small adjustment is due to the observed increase in fruit drop of Hamlin varieties, Westin and Ruby. The Crop Estimates Research work is done by Fundecitrus in cooperation with Markestrat, FEA-RP / USP and FCAV / Unesp.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.