Just how hot is it?

摘要

When air temperature exceeds 85 degrees, irrigators across Washington begin to deploy overhead cooling systems to protect apples from heat stress. In a hot summer like 2021, that's a lot of water and labor—and risk if they don't get it right.It's also a very rough estimate. Wind speed, humidity, sun exposure and cultivar differences all play a role in sunburn susceptibility. So, a team of Washington State University scientists is working to more precisely measure fruit surface temperature using in-canopy sensors that could eventually trigger cooling systems automatically when needed.