Stonefruit crops in southern Tasmania have been scorched by extreme heat over the last few days.

Temperatures in the late 30s and a lack of wind over the past week have burnt apricots and cherries on the tree, according to local press reports.

Marcus Smith from Bourbon Creek cherry orchard told ABC Rural he had lost more than half of his main export crop.

“It has made things very, very difficult for us,” he said. “It’s much like having rain damage; it was worse in the tops of the trees. Often it was the bigger fruit, the more expensive fruit that was damaged.

“We’re talking here about our major crop, lapins and simone, which are the bulk of our export cherries, and I reckon we’ve lost at least two-thirds of them - maybe more,” he added.

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