Czech Saaz hop growers face drought, seek new varieties and irrigation
Growers of aromatic Czech Saaz hops used in Pilsner lagers say rainfall is 60% below normal and temperatures topped 40°C, leaving harvests flagging and pushing efforts to develop new varieties and irrigation systems.
By Jan LopatkaAfter a punishing summer, growers of the aromatic Czech Saaz hops used in Pilsner lagers worldwide are looking for new varieties and irrigation systems to boost their flagging harvests.Rainfall levels were 60% below normal this year, and record-high temperatures topping 40 degrees Cel…