Carbon Balance Model for May 10, 2012
Posted: May 10, 2012
Apple trees would be rather insensitive to new sprays of chemical thinners during this time. Given the forecast, the model projects a strong carbon deficit on Sunday and Monday, May 13th and 14th. These deficits are driven mainly by forecasted cloud cover that would reduce photosynthesis, hence low carbon supply. These deficits would diminish if sunnier conditions prevailed.
| Date | Carbon Supply | Total Demand | Carbon Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/2/2012 | 23.56 | 53.47 | -29.91 |
| 5/3/2012 | 82.39 | 62.17 | 20.21 |
| 5/4/2012 | 63.00 | 75.28 | -12.28 |
| 5/5/2012 | 75.06 | 82.42 | -7.37 |
| 5/6/2012 | 6.87 | 90.13 | -83.26 |
| 5/7/2012 | 6.53 | 81.60 | -75.07 |
| 5/8/2012 | 1.17 | 68.98 | -67.80 |
| 5/9/2012 | 52.86 | 49.99 | 2.87 |
| 5/10/2012 | 95.68 | 54.84 | 40.83 |
| 5/11/2012 | 113.30 | 64.28 | 49.02 |
| 5/12/2012 | 104.36 | 67.10 | 37.25 |
| 5/13/2012 | 18.65 | 74.86 | -56.21 |
| 5/14/2012 | 15.27 | 84.22 | -68.95 |
| 5/15/2012 | 75.11 | 52.40 | 22.72 |
5/10 through 5/15 values are predicted, based on Intellicast.com forecast. Please keep in mind that this model is only as good as the information provided by the forecast.
Carbon balance values that are bold are below the threshold of -40 grams of carbon. Expect trees to be quite sensitive to thinning chemistries during these periods, especially if they occur for a few days.
A severe deficit was observed from May 6th to 8th. Work by Ross Byers, formerly of Virginia Tech, suggests that 3 to 4 days of heavy cloud cover can lead to natural thinning.
Contact Information
- Associate Professor of Pomology
