PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Prominent apple-growing regions in the United States, especially in Washington, are showing increased risks from climate change, according to a new Washington State University study .
During the study, researchers analyzed data from 1979 to 2022 on climate conditions that impact the growth cycles of apple trees.
Even though many apple-growing areas face increased climate risks, researchers found that three of the largest apple-producing counties in the United States face the biggest impact — including Yakima County, Washington, Kent County, Michigan, and Wayne County, New York.
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Researchers looked at several metrics including extreme heat days (with a maximum temperature higher than 93 degrees Fahrenheit) along with warm nights (with the minimum temperature reaching 59 degrees Fahrenheit) which can adversely impact apple coloration.
Researchers also studied the number of colder hours an apple tree needs to be dormant, along with growing degree days – which is the number of days above a certain temperature that helps apples grow.