It is blooming season in Brazilian apple orchards, a crucial period for pollination and, consequently, for fruit production.

This year, however, climate-related challenges are causing concern. According to ABRAFRUTAS, the Brazilian Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters, lower temperatures last winter favoured the breaking of dormancy in apple trees. In addition, the accumulation of chilling hours in the main producing regions, such as Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, was above the historical average, contributing to uniform flowering and strong production potential.

However, heavy rainfall associated with El Niño is now raising concerns about pollination. As a result, farmers are renting more beehives to support apple pollination and make the most of the drier days during the blooming period.

Read more on the ABRAFRUTAS magazine here.