Each year, Chilean agriculture faces the seasonal challenge of frost. In 2024, the transition from El Niño to La Niña led to lower rainfall and episodes of low temperatures during the budding period of cherry and stone fruit orchards, as well as in winter fruits such as citrus and avocados, resulting in significant losses on unprotected farms. These climatic conditions add to the uncertainty generated by climate change, which increases the probability of late frosts when crops are at critical growth stages.
In 2024, the central region—from Valparaíso to O'Higgins—faced minimum temperatures of up to –3 °C in fruit orchards, with damage reported in crops without control measures [Mundoagro]. This reality reinforces the need to implement frost protection technologies so that each producer takes control of their climate and can protect their production.
This report reviews the overview of what happened in 2024 and the key learnings. It also outlines mitigation strategies and guidelines for 2025, using successful examples and technological advances that enhance the resilience of Chilean fruit production.
Impact of Frosts 2024 in Chilean Fruit Production
During 2024, several frost events affected different regions of Chile. In June and July, we experienced several frosty nights, particularly affecting citrus and avocados.
Similarly, in mid-August, a cold front hit the central zone, with several days of sub-zero temperatures. On August 21, minimum temperatures of around –3 °C were recorded throughout the central zone, causing damage especially in farms without frost control measures.
Regarding affected crops, deciduous fruit trees in the budding or flowering stage, such as cherries and stone fruits, were affected.
The economic consequences were mainly concentrated in the colder areas of Valparaíso, RM, O’Higgins, and Maule, with significant losses for affected farmers, although not reaching a nationwide disaster. Even so, producers without protection faced damage to fruits or partial or total production losses.
Key Learnings from the 2024 Season
1. Preventive measures make a difference
Orchards equipped with anti-frost systems (sprinklers, towers, or coverings) suffered significantly less damage. It was confirmed that having frost protection sprinkler systems or other control tools can protect buds or flowers during early mornings with temperatures down to –5 °C.
2. The effectiveness of mitigation technologies
Low precipitation: Our anti-frost sprinkler system offers an unmatched ROI for every peso invested, based on the calculation of investment cost per hectare, by far the most economical in the market. The “Igloo Effect" that keeps plant tissues' temperature above 0°C is a thermodynamic phenomenon of water that naturally protects the plant. The precision design optimizes water usage and ensures uniform coverage.
Wind towers: As a complement to our main system, combining wind towers with heaters (gas, paraffin, or wood) allows for addressing moderately strong events by mixing the cold ground air with warmer layers. However, these systems are limited when facing polar frost types.
Plastic covers and roofs: For additional protection, especially in more sensitive crops, surface coverage helps retain soil heat and protects against mild frosts.
3. Importance of forecasts and planning
Underestimating weather alerts was a common mistake. For instance, the cold front of August 21 was not anticipated with such severity, catching some farmers unprepared. The lesson is reinforced that it is better to act on indications of risk, even when forecasts are not 100% certain.
4. Agronomic management and common errors
Specialists have suggested that if practices to advance flowering (use of hormones, early fertilizations) are to be performed in La Niña years, protection systems should be installed. This is because premature budding is more exposed to possible frosts.
On the other hand, knowing the "low points" or "frost traps" in each farm allows for better investment in protection. In this sense, water-based spray technologies allow for high precision in the area to be covered.
Projections for the 2025 Season
Looking ahead to 2025, La Niña conditions could extend into early summer, maintaining low precipitation levels and more frequent frosts in susceptible areas. Climate change adds uncertainty, as fewer total cold nights are projected, but with the potential for more intense events or at unusual times.
Experts indicate that winter and spring of 2025 could present new and severe frosts, particularly affecting the flowering stage of deciduous fruit trees (cherries, vines, stone fruits) and the development of species with winter fruits, such as citrus and avocados. Blueberries and kiwis are also susceptible to damage. It is crucial to plan in advance and not rely on forecasts that underestimate the risk.
Recommendations for Producers
1. Constant weather monitoring
Review weather forecasts from the Weather Directorate and other local sources daily.
Install thermometers or sensor in critical points to activate alarms when the temperature approaches 0 °C.
2. Infrastructure and maintenance
Ensure that installed technologies work correctly.
Use precision micro-sprinkling like that of Pulsator 205™ and Pulsemax 360, high-frequency, low-flow devices (1mm/h), which consume less water and provide focused and effective protection.
3. Agronomic management adjustments
If early budding plans are made, include a defined frost protection plan.
As much as possible, schedule harvests with a flexible calendar, considering the probability of late frosts.
5. Innovation and use of new technologies
Implement automation systems with sensors and artificial intelligence to activate technologies upon detecting critical temperature thresholds.
Our Contribution
Our call is "Take control of your climate". With over 30 years of experience in hydraulic engineering and climate adaptation projects, we offer frost protection systems designed to optimize the use of water, energy, and infrastructure, with water being a key word in this equation.
Investment in prevention is justified when comparing the costs of a low precipitation frost protection system with other available alternatives, as well as the potential losses of a severe frost. In many cases, protecting the harvest means ensuring profitability and business continuity in the long term.
Chilean farmers—from exporters to family producers—today have more technological tools and knowledge to anticipate these phenomena. The key is to plan, monitor, and adopt solutions that reduce our exposure to climate fluctuations.
