Greek sources describe very heavy rainfall over the past four days in the key growing area of Corinth, a major source of Thompson Seedless. A large proportion of growers are now facing problems with cracking of berries and it is feared this could lead to subsequent problems of botrytis.

Although many growers cover their vines to protect them from rain damage, the rains this year have come so early that they have caught many off guard. Most problems are therefore expected with the early crop where sugar levels were already high and conditions right for fungus to set in. Those grapes that were covered can be treated for possible fungus problems until August 4 for harvesting by mid-September.

Crete, the first area to come on stream, appears to have been left unscathed by rainfall and growers hope to start packing in the first five days of August. Corinth will then follow on.

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