DECISION SUPPORT FOR FREEZE PROTECTION USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

In rainfed agricultural production systems, up to 90% of the variability in the yield can be attributed to weather differences. Fruit crops such as blueberries and peaches are particularly susceptible to low air temperatures. Temperatures near but above freezing might slow plant growth and development but such conditions do not typically cause significant damage if the plants are exposed for a short duration. However, once the temperature drops below freezing, the plants are easily damaged, with the severity of damage being determined by the duration of low temperature as well as the temperature itself.