August 22, 2006

Corn yield in Ukraine expected to be down 25-30 percent

Unfavourble weather conditions in the south-eastern regions of Ukraine has prompted the Institute of Grain Farming to lower forecasts of corn yield by 25-30 percent.

The lack of moisture and high air temperatures in the south-eastern regions of Ukraine put a halt to crops development.

The most damage done to crops would be those planted in mid-season and the late-ripening hybrids gathered later.

Besides weather conditions, non-observance of agro technological measures, less fertilised soil and insufficient treatment with herbicides also led to lower yields.

Maize yield in Ukraine is expected to be 3.2-3.3 tonnes a hectare, compared with an average yield in 2005 of 4.32 tonnes a hectare, according to an agronomist at SGS-Ukraine.