Climate Change and Small Fruits Production in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

Serbia is characterized by temperate climate with more or less pronounced local environment specificities. Spatial distribution of climate parameters varies by geographic locations, reliefs, and local environment conditions. It is governed by the relief, distribution of major scale air pressure, terrain exposition, the potential presence of river systems, vegetation, urbanisation rate, etc. Among geographic characteristics of synoptic specificities that govern the weather and the climate of Serbia, the following geographic elements stand out as significant ones: the Alps, Mediterranean Sea, Panonia plain, the Morava river valley, the Carpathian and the Rodopi mountain ranges, hills and mountainous with ravines, and highland plains. Prevailing meridional location of river ravines and plains in northern area of the country provide deep southward intrusion of polar air masses. In the total fruit production of the Republic of Serbia, small fruits hold an outstanding position. In 2008, the total small fruits grown area was 12,500 ha, the total production being 50,000 t. The acreage of 8,500 ha covered with strawberry yielded about 35,000 t. Similarly, blackberry is cultivated on 3,450 ha, the production reaching some 29,000 t. The production of high-dwarf blueberry in Serbia has only been initiated, being considered a pioneer work. Over the past three years, some 70 ha have been established with this fruit species. The other species belonging to this fruit group (red and black currants, gooseberry) are currently grown on a smaller scale, thus remaining beyond the official statistics.