HOP REPORT No. 1
SAAZ GROWING REGION
April, 2021

Precipitation and temperatures (*)

 

1.4.–30.4.2021

1.4.–30.4.2020

30-years average
(april)

Avg. temp. (°C)

6,1

9,8

9,1

Precipitation (mm)

19,4

17,4

30,7


Min. temperature  27.4.2021

-4,2

°C

Max. temperature 11.4.2021

19,8

°C

Max. precipitation 30.4.2021

5,8

mm


(*)We use meteorologic data from our meteorological station in Destnice near Saaz. 30-years average (1981 – 2010) according to Czech Hydrometeorological Institute is being used as long-term average. (Up to 2016 the 1961 – 1990 average has been used.)


Comment:

January 2021 can be described as slightly above average in temperature but precipitation was significantly above normal and after several years we had snow in hop-gardens. February compared to January was very cold, the average monthly temperature was almost 2°C lower than the long-term average, precipitation met the long-term average, a monthly total was 22 mm. March was slightly bellow average in temperature, the sunshine corresponded to the long-term average, but it was poor in precipitation, in the Saaz region precipitation ranged from 12.5 mm to 23.8 mm, locally they were very different. The nature of the weather made it possible to start the necessary spring work in hop gardens in March, first preparing the soil for cutting and then the actual cutting, and repairs of hop trellis were also being completed. On the TOP HOP Group farms, first we were to cut our variety Saaz Special, which we grow on 40 ha, and the variety Sladek. April was very cold, the temperature regularly dropped below freezing point, the average temperature was 3°C lower than the long-term average. The total precipitation and the total number of hours of sunshine were significantly below long-term average. According to agrotechnical terms the cutting of the Saaz semi-early red bine hops continued, and then, after the arrival of the temporary workers, the spring works continued by hanging the hop wires and pricking them to hop plants. Unfortunately, the cold weather slowed down the growth of hops, so the introduction will not begin until the 19th week. We suppose that cold weather will erase the time differences in the cut, and most hop plants will be grown to be introduced at the same time. It will therefore be very difficult to introduce plants. During the winter time there were no damages to hop rootstocks. At the end of April alfalfa snout beetles appeared in some areas, and so the chemical treatment was started.

 

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