The grain producers are hopeful that the plunging temperatures will not affect the crops that started to sprout. The head of the Grain Producers Association Nicanor Buzovoi has told IPN that the March temperatures the previous years were higher.
According to Nicanor Buzovoi, there are no methods for protecting the crops from low temperatures. The plants that already sprouted are resistant to temperatures of at most minus 10 degrees Celsius. They can be partially affected, especially in southern Moldova.
The State Hydrometeorology Service said that the spring frosts in Moldova can cause considerable damage to trees, especially when the trees blossom. Some 15-40% of the apricot flowers and fruits can be affected. The vine is also vulnerable to the late spring frosts.
The April and May frosts of 2001, 2003 and 2004 caused significant damage to agriculture. In order to protect the trees and vine from frost, specialists recommend starting fires in orchards and vineyards do that they warm up the air.
The temperatures on March 23-24 are expected to drop to minus 5 degrees Celsius during the day and to minus 14 degrees Celsius at night. There was issued a yellow code advisory for high winds, sleet and snow.
