Recent intense frosts have struck the agricultural regions of central Argentina, causing varying degrees of damage to potato fields. The most significant impacts have been reported in the areas of Villa Dolores, the province of San Luis, and the “green belt” (cordón verde) of Córdoba.
Scale of the Damage
According to reports from the field, the affected potato crops were generally between 60 and 90 days after planting. This timeframe is a crucial stage for the plants, as tuber development is actively underway. Unfortunately, potato plants are highly vulnerable to freezing temperatures during this period.
(A field completely covered in morning frost)
As observed in the recent photos and videos from the affected regions:
- The fields are entirely blanketed in thick white frost, indicating freezing soil conditions.
- The leaves and stems of the potato plants have wilted, darkened, and collapsed under the stress of the extreme cold.
- In several plots, the foliage is completely destroyed, which highlights the high intensity of these frost events.
(Wilted and frost-damaged potato foliage)
Impact on Farmers and Yield
Farmers in Córdoba and neighboring regions are currently assessing the extent of their losses. Severe damage to the foliage at the 60-90 day mark abruptly halts plant growth and photosynthesis, which will inevitably lead to a reduction in both the size of the tubers and the overall crop yield, resulting in significant economic setbacks for the growers.
Source: Information based on field reports: Argentina (Villa Dolores y San Luis): Intensas heladas producen daños de diferente magnitud en cultivos de papa, que en general se encuentran entre 60-90 días desde plantación. Argentina: Fuertes heladas en el cordón verde de Córdoba. Read more at Potatoes.news
