U.S.: Cloud cover shields San Joaquin citrus growers from cold snap damage - FreshFruitPortal.com

U.S.: Cloud cover shields San Joaquin citrus growers from cold snap damage

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U.S.: Cloud cover shields San Joaquin citrus growers from cold snap damage

California Citrus Mutual (CCM) claims most growers in the San Joaquin were able to withstand a cold snap that hit the area on the night of Dec. 15, thanks to a mix of technology and cloud physics. oranges_13945135 - sq

"While temperatures were predicted to be below freezing throughout the Valley last night, a decent cloud cover created a strong inversion layer in most citrus producing areas, helping to keep grove temperatures in a manageable range," the group said in a release yesterday.

CCM said wind machines ran periodically through the night on mandarin and Navel orange crops, starting as early as 10pm to circulate the inversion layer and raise grove temperatures.

"Growers report that with protection from the wind machines, temperatures hovered in the upper 20s to low 30s, which is ideal for fruit quality at this point in the season," CCM said.

"In some cases, growers used wind machines in the early morning hours to keep the fruit dry and prevent delays in harvest."

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