Heavy rain and hailstorms in Puglia, south-east Italy, have reportedly caused significant damage to table grape production, with national farming organisation Coldiretti suggesting as much as 40 per cent of the fruit remaining to be harvested has been affected.
Around half of the region's table grape crop is still waiting to be picked, according to the group. These are predominantly the white seeded variety Italia, red seeded variety Red Globe and red seedless variety Crimson.
Damage has been reported in the areas around Adelfia, Conversano, Rutigliano, Noicattaro, Casamassima, Mola and Turi, where hail and high winds have had a 'devastating impact' on local vineyards.
This year's Italian table grape harvest began around 10 days later than normal this season, with production of seeded varieties said to be down by some 20 per cent on the previous year's figure.
Production of seedless varieties have remained more or less stable this season, however.
No comments yet