In Nova Scotia, a region historically abundant with wild blueberries, climate change is introducing several challenges for the industry. According to David Percival from Dalhousie University, the alteration in climate patterns has led to an unusual synchronization in the blooming period of blueberry fields, which traditionally occurs over a few weeks each spring. This year, however, warmer temperatures induced a simultaneous bloom across many fields, limiting the timeframe for pollinators such as bees to fertilize the flowers effectively. "Because the bloom was so compressed in a short period, we just couldn't get the number of visits and the adequate movement of pollen to give us a good crop," Percival explained.
Furthermore, the rising temperatures are exacerbating weed control issues within these fields, complicating maintenance efforts for growers. In response, Percival is aiding adaptation efforts through the use of drone technology to conduct surveys that identify specific areas requiring weed management. He emphasizes the importance of preserving these fields, stating, "You almost feel as though there's this inherent responsibility, you know, to keep the plant healthy, keep it sustainable, and pass it along to the next generation."
Source: Yale Climate Connections