Frost
that occurred on May 26 and May 28 caused widespread damage on crops which were not
protected with covers.
Although
frost occurs, by definition, when the temperature drops to 0° C at 1.5 meters above the
ground, this may or may not result in freeze damage to crops. The actual
temperature at which freezing will occur depends on such factors as plant
species and variety, plant vigor, soil conditions, surface cover, duration of
the freezing temperature, thawing conditions, cloud cover, and wind conditions.
In
tomato, freezing causes a darkening of the leaf or stem tissues as seen on the
picture below. Damaged areas later wilt and turn brown. It may be difficult,
initially, to determine whether the growing point has been killed and damage
may become more evident on the day after the frost.
Peppers (below) and eggplants are more sensitive than tomatoes to freezing
temperatures and may be injured or killed by a light frost.
Cucurbits are also
very susceptible to light frost injury. While it is possible to replant some
short seasoned crops such zucchini and cucumbers, it is getting late for
replanting peppers, eggplants and tomatoes.
