Plum production in the Mendoza province of Argentina is expected to nearly quintuple in the 2010-11 season, according to the Institute of Rural Development (IDR in Spanish), website Terra Argentina reported.

The agency predicted that 160,300 metric tons of the fruit would be produced, compared with 33,200 MT produced last season, and increase of 382%.

A big jump in peaches for canning also is expected, the website said.

“The absence of late frost and hail storms to date have been key factors in having good production in the southern (departments) of San Rafael and General Alvear,” the agency said, according to the website. About 88% of plum production in the province comes from these two areas.

As for peaches, 43,000 MT are expected this season, compared with 17,000 MT in 2009-10, a 153% increase, the website said.

More pears are expected as well, even though there is less land devoted to the fruit. In 2010-11, there are 1,656 hectares, compared with 2,081 hectares last season. Production is expected to reach 38,000 MT this season, up 52% over last season, the website said.

Photo: wikipedia.org

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com