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August 11, 2000
ARGENTINA TEMPERATURES LOW BUT IMPACT TO WHEAT IS MINIMAL
Several days of below freezing temperatures occurred in mid-July and again in late July/early August. The effect of freezing temperatures on the wheat crop was limited to slowing of plant development and possibly burn-back or top-kill of early growth. The coldest weather occurred largely outside the prime wheat-growing region; temperatures within the prime wheat region were not low enough to do significant damage to the crop in its early stage of development. The coldest temperatures occurred in La Pampa, northern Cordoba and Santiago del Estero provinces during mid-July, with temperatures falling as low as -7o Celsius. In late July, Buenos Aires also experienced below freezing temperatures, but only in the far west, adjacent to La Pampa, did temperatures fall below -5o Celsius. Figures 1 and 2 show the extent of freezing temperatures together with wheat area present at the time the freezes occurred. Most of the crop was in early stages: recently planted, emerging and beginning to tiller (in northern and central Santa Fe). Serious damage to wheat at those early stages is unlikely. Potential damage from freezing temperatures is greater when wheat enters the jointing stage.
After a wetter than normal start to the season, below normal rainfall was recorded for July, and August has started out dry. Additional rainfall would benefit germination of later-planted wheat. The recent dry weather did permit planting to move more rapidly toward completion. An August 4 government report indicates about 86 percent of the crop has been planted. The wheat crop is reported to be in overall good to very good condition.
The USDA estimate for Argentina’s 2000/01 wheat production remains unchanged at 15.5 million tons, 0.5 million tons or 3 percent higher than last year’s production. Area is estimated at 6.1 million hectares, up 0.1 million or 2 percent from last year.
For more information, contact Maria Anulacion with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division at (202) 690-0139 or by e-mail at anulacionm@fas.usda.gov
