Preocupación en el sector vinícola de Huelva por el impacto de las lluvias en la cosecha

The rains that marked the winter and the forecasts for the spring are generating «uncertainty» in the wine sector in the county of Huelva. The Regulatory Council of the Protected County of Huelva, the vinegar of Huelva County, and the protected geographical indication of orange wine in the county of Huelva have expressed «concern» about «the possible consequences of this excess moisture in the vineyards that may affect the vegetative cycle of the vine, especially at its present stage.»

As the entity indicates in a press release, bud break is a «crucial» stage in the development of vines, where new shoots appear and are ready for leaf and cluster formation. However, «high humidity conditions and moderate temperatures, like the current ones, can favor the appearance of fungal diseases that compromise the health and quality harvest of the plants.»

Therefore, the entity emphasized that the main threats include excoriosis, caused by the Phomopsis vine. This disease manifests with dark spots at the base of the shoots and can cause cracks in the bark, weakening the plant and affecting its growth. High rainfall frequency is «a determining factor for its development.»

In this way, the continuous rainfall in the last days has made it difficult for the crops and fertilizer treatments, forcing many farmers to delay their tasks because they «have not been able to access their farms in recent weeks.»

In this regard, the president of the Regulatory Council, Vicente Pérez García de Prado, stated that the collaboration between winemakers and technicians is «essential» to «face these climatic challenges and ensure the quality of the wines.» «We have committed to implementing the best agricultural practices to protect our vineyards and ensure a successful harvest,» he added.

The Regulatory Council of DOP Huelva County recommends extreme winemakers to take supervision and prevention measures in their vineyards. It is «fundamental» to carry out constant monitoring to detect early symptoms of these diseases and apply appropriate phytosanitary treatments in the most sensitive phases of the vegetative cycle.

Additionally, it is advisable to carry out traditional tasks to promote plants, such as green pruning and dressing, to reduce moisture on the leaves and decrease the risk of fungal infections.

«We continue working from the Regulatory Council to maintain the quality and uniqueness of our wines and vinegar despite the climatic challenges. It is essential to have the support of administrations and the wineries themselves to protect our heritage,» said Pérez García de Prado.

FUENTE