In the Central Okanagan, helicopters are typically used in late spring, when their rotors blow water off cherries to prevent the fruit from splitting. However, this year the helicopters have started earlier than usual. This time, the cold rather than rain is to blame.
President of the B.C. Cherry Growers Association Sukhpaul Bal says the helicopters are being used to push warmer air down onto the orchards. Cherry buds have started to emerge but the cooler temperatures could damage the vulnerable buds. "The buds are starting to pop out and they're at risk of being killed by frost. So we're in kind of a weird area now where it's warm, followed by cold, not an ideal situation," Bal says.
This is a critical time of year, especially for soft fruits like apricots, peaches, and cherries. Bal says even raising the temperature a few degrees can help.
Source: castanet.net
