Fruit growers currently relaxed despite frosty nights

The frosty nights are not currently a concern for fruit growers. "Everything looks good in terms of vegetation, everything is within limits," said Carmen Kaps, Managing Director of the Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt Fruit Growers' Association. The plants are not yet developed enough to be affected by frost. Last year, icy temperatures in April led to duck losses of around 80 percent.

A closed blossom can still withstand sub-zero temperatures well, explained Kaps. "When a blossom is open, it can hardly tolerate any frost at all." A tree does not have to be in full bloom - it is also sufficient if the blossoms have already broken open a little. Even then, they are sensitive.

Protection options are limited

Fruit growers still have a few options to protect their trees. However, it also depends on the temperatures. "At seven degrees below zero, there's nothing you can do," said Kaps.

In addition, not every farmer can take protective measures. The most effective method is frost protection irrigation, where the trees are watered on cold nights. This creates a protective layer of ice around the flowers. However, this requires large quantities of water, said Kaps. "Not everyone can irrigate."

Lighting frost protection fires on the plantations also only has a limited effect. The heat does not radiate far enough to protect an entire tree. In the worst-case scenario, one side could burn and the other still freeze to death. Wrapping the apple trees in fleece to protect them from frost like a small tree on the balcony at home is impossible on the large areas of fruit farms.

Weather service predicts severe night frosts

The German Weather Service is predicting severe night frost in some areas over the coming nights. Temperatures are not expected to return to the plus range at night until the end of the week.