A sudden spike to hotter temperatures may feel like a taste of summer for some, but it is raising concerns for farmers and growers in Kern County, especially those producing citrus.
Record high temperatures this week could be troublesome for citrus growers in Kern County, Bakersfield College professor Lindsay Ono said.
“Probably one of our bigger challenges right now is that we are coming off of our spring bloom for citrus,” Ono said.
Ono said the heat could disrupt the bloom and affect the June drop of citrus.
“And so we’ll start to see this challenge on the flowers that are presently in bloom and their development is probably going to be a challenge than almonds would be,” he said.
Ono, known as the Plant Professor, said irrigation will be key during the heat. Kern County ranks second in the state for citrus production, according to the Water Association of Kern County.
He also warned that pests could become a bigger issue as temperatures rise, because heat can speed up development.
“Unless we start to see some temperatures drop that are going to slow them down, which it doesn’t look like that will happen, we’ll see our pests problem actually be coming a little bit sooner for infestations,” Ono said.
Ono said the heat spike is not unusual and growers are generally prepared.
“Our almond growers are very scientific in their processes and I think they will be able to overcome the majority of the issues that the environment is causing,” he said.
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For people concerned about their own plants at home, including fruit trees, Ono recommended watering in the morning.