THE POSITION OF THE EARTH RELATIVE TO THE SUN (also determines photoperiod and day length)) |
The earth's axis is tilted 23 1/2 degrees relative to the axis of the sun. As the earth revolves around the sun, the axis remains pointed in the same direction in space. Notice:
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HOW TO PREVENT A RADIATIONAL FREEZE OR FROST 1)Decrease rate of radiational cooling a) hot caps or plastic tents b) mulches c) foams d) fog or water vapor e) smoke 2)Increase air temperature a)eliminate temperature inversion: 1)wind machines 2)helicopters b)irrigation 1)flood irrigation; water is warmer and stabilizes temperature (due to high specific heat) 2)overhead irrigation; constant temperature at 32 oF when liquid/ice present c)oil burners or smudge potsHOW TO PREVENT ADVECTIVE FREEZE DAMAGE 1)Plant selection - the ideal method, because then no other method is needed 2) Radiational freeze methods- some are moderately effective for mild, short freezes. a)Insulate: mulch, foam, hot caps (NOT fog or smoke) b)Increase air temperature: irrigation, oil burners or smudge pots if mild and little wind c)CANNOT USE:fog, smoke or eliminate temperature inversion 3)Site selection - avoid north side of hills, buildings, etc.; avoid low areas, valleys, etc. 4)Delay development in spring - avoids damage to new spring growth and flower buds from late spring frost. 5)Harden-off or cold acclimation in fall: is a normal part of dormancy and preparation of the plant for for winter. Naturally triggered by: a)short days b)cool temperatures c) cold temperatures Allow to occur naturally by observing the following: 1)Do not encourage growth: a) decrease fertilization b) decrease watering c) avoid pruning 2)Avoid stress a) insect, disease or physical damage b) poor nutrition and nutrient deficiencies c) too heavy fruit load |
(From: G.R. McEachern. 1990. Growing Fruits, Berries and Nuts: Southwest-Southeast, Gulf Publishing Co., Houston, TX) |
biennial- plants that have a 2 year life cycle:LIFE CYCLE 1st year - grow vegetativelyas rosettes or bulbs in late summer-fall winter - are vernalized by cold of winter to trigger flower inception 2nd year - in spring flower forms and develops, called bolting GROWTH HABITS rosettes- radish, carrot, turnip, mustard, kale,bluebonnet, Indian paint brush heads- cabbage bulbs- onion DEFINITIONS vernalization - a cold treatment (32-45 oF for 4-12 weeks) required to trigger or initiate flower formation in biennials. bolting- flower formation and seed stalk elongation in biennials. de-vernalization- exposure (1 day to 1 week) to high temperatures (90-95 oF) immediately after vernalization, which erases the vernalization treatment. site of perception - growing point (apex) of stems. |