“We have thermometers in the orchard, as soon as zero is reached, an alarm connected to my phone wakes me up“explains Thierry Lanson, producer of cherries, apples and pears in Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Mesmin in Loiret.
– Perrine ROGUET
At any time of the night can therefore begin the work of sprinkling the trees. A technique that Thierry Lanson uses on most of his operations: “when the water turns into ice, it releases calories, which warm the bud” he explains. On top of that, the layer of ice creates a layer of protection.
A winter not cold enough
If the negative temperatures are distressing at this time of year, it is above all because of the mildness of the previous months. “We’re not supposed to be in bloom“ assures Thierry Lanson. Yet this is already the case for cherries and pears. The fault of a winter that did not really happen.
Last year, this arborist lost two-thirds of his cherry production. However, he assures him, he is one of the best equipped professionals, it can protect almost all of its 70 hectares of orchards.