Orange production forecast update for the 2017-2018 season of São Paulo and West-Southwest of Minas Gerais citrus belt
The orange production forecast update of the São Paulo and West-Southwest of Minas Gerais citrus belt for the 2017-2018 season, published on December 11th, 2017 by Fundecitrus with the cooperation of Markestrat, FEA-RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp2 – is 385.20 million boxes, weighing 40.8 kg each.
Total orange1 crop forecast update is 385.20 million of boxes
The orange production forecast update of the São Paulo and West-Southwest of Minas Gerais citrus belt for the 2017-2018 season, published on December 11th, 2017 by Fundecitrus with the cooperation of Markestrat, FEA-RP/USP and FCAV/Unesp2 – is 385.20 million boxes, weighing 40.8 kg each. This figure corresponds to an increase of 2.98 % compared to the update published in September/2017 and an increase of 5.69 % in relation to the initial May/2017 forecast. Out of the total crop, about 29.43 million boxes are estimated for the Triângulo Mineiro region.
The data collected as of the publication of this forecast update show that the fruits harvested from all varieties in this season have an average weight above that of the initial forecasts. The forecast in May 2017 was that each fruit would weigh by harvest time an average of 154 grams; however, in September 2017, the unit weight rose to 158 grams and now is at 162 grams. The weight gain was the main reason which caused increased production in early varieties in September 2017 and continues to be the determining factor for the increase in mid-season and late varieties of this update. The fruit droppage rate is confirming to be high vis-à-vis the crop standards in the citrus belt, in line with the initial forecast, since the variation since May 2017 did not decrease even by half percent point from the estimated value. The positive result so far was triggered mainly by rainfall above historical levels at the beginning of the season, which again fell at producing regions in October, reaching an average of 147 mm, and 227 mm in November, after the drought which lasted from July to September, with only an accumulated total of 47 mm for the quarter, according to Somar Meteorologia’s weather forecast. In addition to the weather, the good performance of the harvest is related to greater intensity of crop management at the groves, which can be evidenced by the increased demand of inputs used in their nutritional and phytosanitary management as seen in the last year in citrus growing. …
1 Hamlin, Westin, Rubi, Valencia Americana, Valencia Argentina, Seleta, Pineapple Pera Rio, Valencia, Valencia Folha Murcha and Natal.
2 Exact Sciences Department, FCAV/Unesp Jaboticabal.
Please download the complete forecast: www.fundecitrus.com