Hello all, According to the British Meteorological Association, there is a 60% chance that 2007 will be the hottest year on the planet since records began. Although this is a further indication of global warming induced by human activities, which is bad news for humankind in the medium to long term, it also gives us as growers an indication of what we might need to be ready for next season. In Ireland, it has become apparent that dry spells last a little longer than they used to, and because the temperatures are also a little higher, this means additional plant stress. On my own farm, all of the younger trees are irrigated, and in the forthcoming year, I plan to extend the area irrigated to include at least another five acres of older orchards, and all strawberry plantations. I find it quite amazing now, but years ago, drought was seldom an issue, even with field grown strawberries, and now it is rare that drought is not an issue. It really is quite a change. On the positive front, once the irrigation is in place, when you consider that Irish temperatures are usually less than optimal, the higher temperatures are beneficial, resulting in higher rates of photosynthesis and greater crop yields. On the negative side, I need to be ready for infestations of pests that were not able to thrive in the cooler weather a few years ago. The main pest that has been advancing is codling moth, and we have gone from a position thirty years ago where codling moth only occasionally caused problems, even when we did not spray for it, to one where is it is causing problems, even when we are using fairly comprehensive mating disruption programs. It is quite amazing. Con Traas The Apple Farm Ireland
PS. My friend has shown an improvement in his condition. The doctors were never able to identify the fungal pathogen causing his pneumonia, but whatever it is, it is disappearing. He is now breathing using his own lung muscles, although he is still getting oxygen-enriched air. While he is still sedated to remain unconscious, this may change soon. His family are very grateful for the information on pathogens provided by people here on this forum. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
