Hageland (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Heavy rains in Hageland threaten fruit orchards, especially apple and cherry trees, leading to root damage, fungal growth, and potential long-term losses. Farmer Bert Morren from Kortenaken is very concerned.
Fruit farmers in Hageland and nearby areas are worried about the heavy rain affecting their orchards. The ground is too wet, and the trees are in water for too long. Officials mentioned that this is bad because the roots need air to stay healthy.
According to Bert Morren, a farmer from Kortenaken, the trees are drowning because their roots can’t breathe. This makes the trees weak and can cause long-term damage. He mentioned that if the roots are affected, they won’t take in water and nutrients well. This will be a big problem when it gets dry again. Even if the rain stops, the trees might not recover fully.
“The trees cannot absorb oxygen and are drowning,”
Says Bert Morren.
How will heavy rain impact Hageland’s fruit crops?
According to Officials, wet weather is causing problems for farmers. The high humidity makes it easy for harmful fungi to grow. This can lead to issues like fruit rot and mold. They mentioned that these diseases can affact this year’s crops and weaken the trees for the future. Farmers are trying to protect their plants while hoping for drier weather. Formers mentioned that if the rain continues, many orchards could be in trouble.
Bert Morren said:
“The roots are damaged and therefore cannot absorb enough water when it is needed later. In addition, the wet weather is ideal for fungi and the like.”
According to officials, heavy rain is a big problem for cherry and apple crops in Hageland and nearby areas. They mentioned that all fruit trees can suffer from too much water, but younger trees are in more danger because their roots are not strong yet.
According to Bert Morren, pear trees are older and can handle the rain better. The extra water makes the trees weak and more likely to get sick. Last year, high humidity caused a lot of fungal infections that affect the fruit.
According to. Bert Morren, replacing damaged trees is not easy. Planting new trees now is risky because the soil is still too wet. He says farmers will need to remove old trees in a few years as they stop producing fruit. This makes planting young trees a bad idea right now.
He mentioned that farmers want to save their current trees and hope they recover when the rain stops. He said that there is still a chance for the orchards to survive if the weather improves soon. If the heavy rain continues, the damage could be too severe, causing long-term problems for fruit farmers in the area.
“In a few years we will have to uproot our trees again”,
Says Bert.
“Then there is no point in planting very young trees now, certainly not in these circumstances.”
