High temperatures in the eastern parts of the country – risk to flowering and development of leguminous crops

This week, the development of agricultural crops will proceed at an accelerated pace under temperatures around and above the norm. By the middle of the third ten-day period of May, the recorded below-normal rainfall (in most regions below 50% of the monthly norms), combined with high temperatures and the increased water consumption of the crops, created conditions for depletion of soil moisture reserves and the formation of a soil moisture deficit. In the western regions of the country, more significant precipitation is forecast, along with an improvement in soil moisture in the upper layers.

At the beginning of June, the stages of grain formation and grain filling will take place in wheat and barley. In maize and sunflower, leaf formation will occur. In the vine, inflorescence emergence and flowering will be observed. In early cherry cultivars, fruit ripening will proceed. The forecast windy weather with high temperatures, locally up to 33°C in the eastern part of the country, will have an adverse effect on flowering and development of leguminous crops.

The precipitation during the period will favour the spread and development of fungal diseases – downy mildew in vines and vegetable crops, scab in pome fruit species, and early brown rot in stone fruit species. During most days of the period, the unstable weather will limit the possibilities for carrying out plant protection spraying in agricultural crops.

Source: NIMH