Crop report 2013 July (Saaz area)

1. Basic weather conditions datas

temperature °C

rainfalls mm

According to climatic data July was the driest month for the last 60 years, It didn't rain during the entire month at all (from 1st to 23rd July). Temperatures were also above-average, especially in the last decade, temperatures were well above 30 °C.

2. Vegetation stage

This year the weather wasn't favorable for the development and growth of hops, especially in May when the cold weather hampered the growth of hops and the training of hops was delayed. Even In June the weather was not favorable, the growth rate of hops got more and more delayed (about 14 days). Thanks to the warm weather in July and sufficient supply of water after intense precipitations, hops that have not been affected by flooding, overgrew constructions. Despite this the hops are delayed on average 7 - 10 days, we therefore expect the harvest to begin in the period from 17th to 24th August 2013. Given the state of vegetation, we estimated an average yield of hops of 1.1 - 1.2 tons for the main variety - (Zatec Semi-early Red).

3. Pests and diseases

Hops on areas undamaged by floods are generally in good shape.The treatment of hops against fungal diseases and animal pests was applied smoothly despite significantly warm weather that led to a wider spread of red spider mite.