Farms.com Home   News

Climate Change in Massachusetts Impacting Fruit Crops and Sleep Quality

By Alexi Cohan

For about 12,000 years, Earth's climate didn't change. Now, climate change impacts our present and threatens our future.

That's according to Spencer Glendon, the founder of climate literacy initiative Probable Futures, who spoke to GBH's Greater Boston.

Glendon said here in Massachusetts and beyond, climate change is impacting sleep and fruit.

At night, humans need to cool down to sleep well, but nights are getting hot faster than days are, and we are experiencing more "tropical nights" above 68 degrees.

"It means that people aren't sleeping as well; it also means people are going to start demanding HVAC equipment to have air conditioning when they didn't used to," Glendon said, adding that hot weather is particularly tough on kids who need a good night's sleep before school.

When it comes to fruit here in the Bay State, Glendon noted that trees need a strong signal that winter has come and gone. This year, that signal was impacted by climate, and there were no stone fruit crops in Massachusetts.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Neoseiulus californicus)

Video: Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Neoseiulus californicus)

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus is an effective natural enemy of various species of spider mites, including the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). As a key player in biological pest control, this predator helps growers protect their crops sustainably.

How does Neoseiulus californicus work?

•Specializes in targeting the larval and nymphal stages of spider mites.

•Also consumes spider mite eggs, ensuring population control.

•Detects prey through webbing and leaf damage rather than sight.

•Feeds by sucking out the contents of its prey.

Why use Neoseiulus californicus for spider mite control?

•Highly adaptable to different environments, including warm and dry conditions.

•Works as both a preventive and curative solution for spider mite infestations.

•Complements other predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, for integrated pest management (IPM).

•A natural, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.