– Rain: The first week of 2014 brought a few days of moderate intensity rainfall concentrated from the beginning to the middle of the week and a very dry weekend. Total accumulated rainfall was 27.6 mm – 1.1 inches
– Temperature: Surprising turn of events – the air temperatures increased with the minimum temperature reaching 23.3°C (73.9°F) – 2.7 degrees Celsius higher than last week, and the average was 27°C (80.6°F) – 1/2 degree Celsius higher than prior week. The soil temperature remained stable at 26.1°C (78.9°F). Relative humidity averaged 82.9%, while the solar radiation was low from the beginning to the middle of the week but became very intense during the weekend.
– Observations: You can tell that this is one of the most challenging time frames in the pineapple production cycle. The expected winter climate characterized by cool temperatures and abundant rainfall has yet to stabilize and we continue with drastic variations in temperatures from week to week. The harvest strategy that was gradually implemented in anticipation of the normal winter climatic conditions has had to be reversed because growth conditions have resembled more those of the hot and dry season!