June 9, 2000

DRYNESS IN MOLDOVA AND SOUTHERN UKRAINE HITS WINTER WHEAT

Persistent dryness prevailed in Moldova and southern Ukraine during April and May, reducing yield potential for winter wheat. The threat to winter crops would likely be greater had it not been for the abundant precipitation that the region received during the winter, which boosted soil-moisture reserves. Similar weather patterns in previous years have resulted in significantly reduced -- but not disastrous -- winter-grain output. If the dryness continues, it could have a substantial negative impact also on the production of corn, Moldova's chief grain crop.

Landsat satellite imagery acquired over east-central Moldova, near the Ukrainian border, reflects the impact of the drought on winter wheat. Typically, infra-red reflectance (an indicator of vegetative vigor) increases during May as the crop advances toward its reproductive stage, when infra-red reflectance reaches its peak. (See growth-stage map for May 20.) In the imagery, higher reflectance is represented by increased red color. Imagery from May 22, however, looks substantially unchanged from the May 6 imagery. A significant number of the fields are irrigated forage crops (indicated by the brighter, more "orange-ish" color and the evidence of cuttings in the May 22 scene) and appear relatively unchanged between early and late May, as would be expected. On the non-irrigated crops, however, such as fully established winter wheat and emerging corn, the absence of change between the two dates suggests significant drought impact.

For more information, contact Mark Lindeman with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division on (202) 720-0888.