A warmer than average September was experienced in many cherry growing regions, and it came with lower than average rainfall.
The start of October was hot. It was very hot in the more northern growing regions with temperatures well above 30C in the Riverland. This was followed by several cool days after a southerly change, bringing some rain and wind across the eastern states.
Likely effect of weather on the crop?
Blossom
Cherry trees generally had strong blossom, and there were good conditions for pollination and fertilization. The result could be a very good crop of cherries this season.
Bees
When it comes to pollination, bee activity seemed strong in most regions.
However, with varroa mite being an issue in some areas and with great demand for pollination services in almond growing regions, the lower availability of hives may have had an impact.
Our thoughts are with apiarists around Australia whose pollination businesses were interrupted or adversely affected by the spread of varroa mite.
Hot or cold days
The couple of very hot days may have resulted in one or two varieties having a lighter crop due to a lack of fertilization because of the degeneration of the ovule in the blossom—meaning fertilization was affected by the heat.
Very cool conditions (temperatures under 2C) also stops fertilization from taking place and slows pollen tube growth.
Nutrition and boron
A lack of boron affects pollen germination and the growth of the pollen tube, so nutrients and carbohydrates play a part in the final result.
Wind
Wind not only inhibits tree growth, it also slows bee activity and can affect pollination.
Smaller crop—bigger prize
If some varieties end up having a smaller crop it could be of higher quality and a larger size—and therefore be highly sought after.
In the next few weeks growers and exporters will have a better idea of the crop potential for this season.
What appeared to be an earlier start to the season may have been stalled by the cooler weather, only time will reveal the result.
See this article in Tree Fruit October 2023
