The Technical Committee of CitrusBR informs that low Brix results have been observed in the early & mid orange varieties processed by its members in the 2016/2017 crop in the State of Sao Paulo.
An extended effect of EL NIÑO until March 2016 and unusually high rainfall were observed from late May to early June in the Brazilian Citrus Belt. In addition, winter temperatures are unusually low, directly affecting fruit development and the maturation process, slowing the natural increment of Brix and ratio.
The above conditions, combined with a shorter season, tend to narrow the opportunities to react and compensate the current profile of Brix and ratio being observed so far.
On the other hand, the weather forecasts for the next sixty days are not predicting excessive rainfalls in the citrus belt, what could positively influence Brix and ratio development.
CitrusBR members reaffirm their commitment to delivering high quality products and to maintaining the corrected brix of the NFC within the brix values established by the AIJN Code of Practice reference guidelines.