U.S.-bound Persian lime exports from the Mexican state of Veracruz could be set for a sharp decline as fungi severely affects production, website Veracruzanos.info reported. 

A representative of the Persian Lime Growers and Exporters' Council (COPELP) said recent high levels of humidity in the region had led to fungi affecting the crop, and production could fall by up to 30%.

Marcelino Bustos Castillo added he hoped the problem wouldn't be as severe as last year.

"What we have are fungal diseases caused by the rains and that is affecting the flowering stage. Production often drops around 30% when there is a problem with the humidity," Bustos Castillo was quoted as saying.

The lime grower said producers in the state were looking for ways to avoid this situation in the future and ensure the quality of their citrus fruit.

He also mentioned the sector was looking for new lime varieties that are more resistant to such problems.

"We are currently in the preventative stage, with a good quality production, good management, and a small number of resistant varieties which have been made available to the growers," Bustos Castillo said.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com