Fields in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions dry up due to heat

In the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, the prolonged heat and lack of rain have caused the condition of late crops to deteriorate. In some areas, crops had to be mowed or re-discovered due to wilting of plants, spread of diseases and stunted growth.

This was reported by the online resource Kurkul with reference to agrometeorologists.

In mid-July, the weather in Ukraine was warm, sometimes hot, with occasional rains. Most precipitation fell in the western and some northern regions.

In the southeast, on the other hand, drought continues due to a lack of rain. The highest temperatures were recorded in the South, East and Central regions.

According to agrometeorologists, heat, low humidity and lack of rain in the southern and central regions of Odesa oblast led to dry winds. This has worsened the condition of late crops, including sunflower and corn. Plants wilted, yellowing, curling and drying of leaves and stems were observed in the fields. In some farms, sunflower crops have already been re-sown due to the poor condition.

In the Mykolaiv region, the situation is no better, with heat and drought lasting for 26 to 50 days, depending on the area. This has led to a surge in pests and the development of diseases. In particular, sunflower has been found to have dry head rot and phomosis, and corn is suffering from a lack of moisture - its leaves curl and growth stops.

It was also noticed that in some areas of the Mykolaiv region, corn did not reach the broom throwing phase at all. Because of this, the crop was mowed for green fodder, and the fields were then disked. According to the regional agriculture department, sunflower crops were also over-exploited in some places.

Recently, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine announced a call for applications for budget subsidies for agricultural producers from Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions who grow cotton. After checking the documents, the regional commission will inform the applicant of approval or rejection with an explanation of the reasons through the State Agrarian Register system.

Анна Бальчінос