Kiwi orchards were planted in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey as an alternative to hazelnuts; Ordu Kiwifruit Growers Association president Yusuf Uzunlar reports that snowfall and cold weather in March has had an adverse effect on the local kiwifruit.
Uzunlar explains that in the last week of March especially, cold weather damaged the fruits, ‘’We are aiming to determine the extent of the damage, which we will be able to do after conducting a study.’’
Kiwifruit are very sensitive, emphasises Uzunlar, ‘’We can say that sudden changes in weather perhaps affect kiwifruit the most. Due to this we are anticipating major damages. This is very disappointing because we had high expectations for this season.’’
Uzunlar notes that areas around an altitude of 600 metres were badly damaged, ''Leaves and blooming kiwifruit flowers were damaged by frost in areas of 600 metres altitude and above. Most growers experienced damages in their orchards.’’
