Concerns over agricultural frost in hazelnuts
As the winter season continues, hazelnut catkins have been observed opening due to temperatures rising above seasonal norms. Agricultural Engineer Haldun Gedikali stated that hazelnut producers are concerned about agricultural frost.
İHA
Agricultural Engineer Haldun Gedikali stated that the false spring caused by temperatures remaining above seasonal norms could jeopardize hazelnut yields.
Gedikali said, "Hazelnuts need cold weather just as much as they need rain and heat. For this reason, the climate following its natural course is very important for yield. We see that the weather is warmer than seasonal norms. When we evaluate this based on our studies from past years, it shows that during periods when the climate is warm, male flowers on hazelnut trees open early and the pollen dispersal period is short. Therefore, while pollination and flower fertilization should have occurred in January, we are now in February and pollination has only just begun, which can lead to problems. For this reason, a decrease in yield occurs because fertilization may not take place. That is why the weather needs to be cold and there should be snowfall during this season. Because, as with all fruits, if the chilling requirement of the hazelnut is not met, it cannot bloom properly, problems occur in leafing, and it cannot develop healthily. So far, we are experiencing weather above seasonal norms."
A RISKY YEAR FOR HAZELNUTS
Pointing out that agricultural frost in hazelnuts has historically coincided with years ending in 4, Agricultural Engineer Gedikali continued his words as follows:
"Due to the false spring experienced in February, snowfall that occurs after the hazelnut trees have leafed out and begun to wake up can cause agricultural frost. If the snow that should have fallen in February falls towards the end of March, there will be a serious danger of agricultural frost. After the hazelnut trees leaf out, they begin to suffer damage at minus 1 degree for a long period, and at minus 2 and minus 3 degrees. Furthermore, agricultural frost in hazelnuts has always coincided with years ending in 4. Agricultural frost occurred in 1994, and in 2004, about 90 percent of the hazelnut crop was affected by agricultural frost. Agricultural frost also occurred in 2014, and now we are in 2024. This is causing a great deal of concern for hazelnut producers."