The impacts of frost on fruit harvest

Frost, especially late frost during the flowering period, can be an unexpected setback for apple growers – and one largely out of their control. Understanding how frost affects fruit development and crop yield is essential for growers, fruit processors, food manufacturers, and consumers alike. Here, we explore how frost impacts apple crops and what can be done to mitigate its effects.

Timing

Whilst the trees are resistant to the colder temperatures during other times of the season, they are particularly vulnerable to frost during the bud development stage, which occurs in early spring. In Orange, a late frost in September has impacted budding trees, especially the buds closest to the ground, which reached the lowest temperatures. During this flowering period, frost can kill the delicate flower buds, causing them to come away from the tree, and ultimately resulting in a reduced fruit yield for the season.

Types of frost

Radiation frost: This type of frost occurs on clear nights when heat escapes from the ground. This causes temperatures to drop rapidly, freezing buds and, hence causing damage.

Advection frost: This occurs when warm air is displaced by colder air, leading to widespread frost damage over large areas.

Both types can harm productivity, especially during flowering, a pattern also discussed in our article on weather challenges in mango production.

Consequences of frost damage

As a result of frost damage, the most significant impact, especially for a processing fruit grower – is a reduced fruit yield for the season. Other consequences include quality concerns with the fruit, since apples that survive a frost may not develop as they would have otherwise, affecting the size and shape of the fruit. This in turn can make processing less efficient.

Mitigation strategies

To combat the threat of frost damage, apple growers can use several strategies to manage what is in their control. The use of wind machines, sprinklers and heating techniques to raise the temperature around the trees can be effective during critical frost events. Some varieties of apples may be more resistant to frost, so ongoing research into frost-resistant apple varieties may offer long-term solutions for growers.

Placement of the orchard plays an important part. Orchards in areas less prone to frost typically have higher elevation and good air drainage, which can also help minimize risk.

Regardless of mitigation strategies implemented, frost damage is an ongoing, inevitable challenge for apple growers, and one usually out of their control. Understanding the impact of frost on apple harvest is essential for everyone involved in the supply chain, from producers and processors to food manufacturers and consumers, since all parties are ultimately affected. Learn more about the challenges of sourcing quality fruit and how we navigate them at Avondale Foods.

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