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Frost risk to Wisconsin grapes, apples, cherries…
Several nights of sub-freezing temperatures are making for some very nervous nights for specialty crop producers in Wisconsin. Julie Coquard with Wollersheim Winery at Prairie du Sac says their vines are four to five weeks ahead of normal because of the warm weather in March making them more susceptible to frost damage. “Thankfully, they have not blossomed yet, we are at the bud and small-leaf stage,” says Coquard. If the buds freeze, there is a secondary but which could make it through but that means the crop size will be substantially lower.
They have been running wind machines and a “frost dragon” in an effort to save buds on the grape vines but they won’t know the extent of any damage until Monday at the earliest.
AUDIO:Coquard talks about thier efforts mp3
Cherry growers in Door County have been running wind machines in an effort to salvage buds that have come out about a month ahead of normal. Apple growers are running burn barrels in an effort to protect buds from the freezing temperatures. Some losses are already evident.
Tom Lochner with the Wisconsin Cranberry Growers says their crop is three-to-four weeks ahead of normal as well but they are used to dealing with frost. Lochner says some growers have been running sprinklers at night while many have flooded the beds to protect the young plants. They can leave the water on the beds for up to seven days before they risk damage to the plants. Lochner says he doesn’t think there will be any damage however it does cost money to run the diesel engines on the water pumps.
AUDIO:Lochner comments on the situation 1:22 mp3
Will the frost damage be visiable on the plant?