Freezing temperatures in US state of California appear to have damaged state’s mandarin crop, but spared orangesMandarin producers in California’s San Joaquin Valley are assessing crop damage after temperatures there fell below freezing point earlier this week.According to a media release from California Citrus Mutual dated 17 January, damage to mandarin crops in the northern region of the San Joaquin Valley was anticipated.Producers ran wind machines and introduced water to their orchards to limit crop damage and are currently surveying the extent of the damage, although it could take weeks for a clear picture to emerge.Although temperatures dropped below zero South of Fresno and into Kern County it is believed wind machines and water protection was able to prevent significant damage.California Citrus Mutual stated it would be working closely with the county agricultural commissioners to ensure heightened inspections are being dome in order to guarantee a quality fresh product to the consumer.“While growers may see a loss, the quality of the fruit still on the tree is expected to be good,” the media release stated.
Source - http://www.fruitnet.com/
