Moldova frost warning: Crops at risk as temperatures hit -2C
The Moldovan State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS) has issued a ‘yellow code’ frost warning for the entire country, in effect on 15 and 16 October.
According to meteorologists, temperatures are forecast to drop to as low as –2C during the night and morning. The phenomenon could affect cold-sensitive crops, especially vegetables, vines, and fruit trees.
To mitigate the risks, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry is advising farmers to take preventative action, including: covering crops with agrofibre, straw, mats, or plastic; heating greenhouses with portable stoves or hot-air generators; controlled fumigation in orchards and vineyards; sprinkler irrigation or wetting the soil; applying anti-stress foliar products and earthing up the base of vines.
According to SHS long-term averages, early frosts in September occur, on average, once every seven years, while those in October happen almost every year. These phenomena can cause significant damage to crops that are still unripe or undergoing development.
In addition, meteorologists noted that the period's thermal regime normally favours the ripening of late crops—corn, sunflower, apples, pears, and wine grapes—as well as the sowing of autumn crops. Farmers are urged to constantly check weather forecasts and base their agricultural planning on temperature trends.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
