The Rural Voice, 1979-05, Page 70.6
U
O
a�
0.4
E
0
1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950
1960
Temperature (° C)
Fig. 1. Temperature trends for the northern hemisphere since 1890. compared to the trend
Jor sourthern Canada since 1905. Provided by M. K. Thomas. Atmospheric En-
vironment Service.
This chart demonstrates the periods of "climatic variability" or
the periods of tranquil versus unusual weather conditions that
seem to pervail in North American. Prof. Terry Gillespie said
Canada is now experiencing a period of very variable weather
conditions, in contrast to the 1940's and 50's when the climate
was more predictable.
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sion workers and meteorologists together
are sorely needed, because their combined
attack on the problems of agricultural
meteorology will catalyze more effective
solutions than will the efforts of each group
working alone," he added.
Vegetable growers can make use of
weather information to work on spray
programs with insects and diseases. Prof.
Gillespie said if plant breeders can give
guidance on what weather causes certain
disease or insect problems, and if that
weather condition doesn't occur, then the
grower won't have to use certain pesticides
that year, which represents a financial
saving.
He said the "insurance schemes" in
which growers kept sprays on a crop
"come hell or high water" can be modified
by taking weather information into account
The OAC researchers are working on such
a program with vegetable growers in the
Bradford Marsh area. Researchers are also
working with apple growers in Grey
County, monitoring temperature and the
degree of leaf wetness to study what
conditions result in apple scab disease and
what weather conditions require spray
applications.
WEATHER MEASUREMENTS
Prof. Gillespie said he would also
encourage farmers to do some simple
weather measurements on their own
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Tel. 291-1474
After hours 291-1729
THE RURAL VOICE/ MAY 1979 PG. 5