MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho has developed an online tool that uses temperature data to predict information about growth and insect pests to help farmers better protect their crops.
The Growing Degree Day Calculator , developed by educator Jemila Chellappa, gives farmers science-based guidance about the best times to apply pesticides, irrigate or fertilize, according to a press release from University of Idaho.
“For generations, farmers have turned to the calendar, but the calendar can’t tell you what the weather has or hasn’t done,” Chellappa said. “We now have a user-friendly, real-time tool to help farmers, researchers and advisors across the Pacific Northwest track crop development and pest stages based on temperature, not just the calendar.”
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