Newswise — Karl Niklas, Cornell University professor of plant biology whose research focuses on the relationship between plants and the physical environment, predicts a weak year for leaf watchers, and for those who depend on that seasonal tourism.
Niklas says:
“I wish I was wrong, but I’m predicting that this year's Autumn coloration will not be as grand as in years past.
“Why? Because of sustained high temperatures and the drought that plagued the Northeast. In combination, high temperatures and a lack of soil water have stressed trees to a point where many trees are already shedding their leaves and those that have leaves are bearing browned leaves.
“The prognosis for this year's coloration is not good. And the yield of many fruit crops will probably be lower than usual. We will suffer economically because tourist and many crop yields will be diminished.”
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