Hail Damage Research Articles

Effect of irrigation and nutrient supplementation through foliar for the recovery of X59 Hempnut ( Cannabis sativa ) after hail damage

Hail can substantially decrease crop yield. In this research paper, we report a significant recovery of X59 Hempnut hemp plants (Cannabis sativa) after a hail event. The use of foliar recovery application of NutriBoost6-17-5 after the hail event allowed a significant increase in the percentage of recovered plants, their biomass and seed yield. Our data support the importance of use of foliar treatments after stressful events to maintain crop yield.

The effect of Busseola fusca infestation, fungal inoculation and mechanical wounding on Fusarium ear rot development and fumonisin production in maize

Fusarium verticillioides and Busseola fusca are among the most significant biotic constraints to maize production in South Africa. In this study, the effect of B. fusca damage and mechanical wounding to maize ears on Fusarium ear rot development and fumonisin production was investigated. The effect of the interaction on Fusarium ear rot and B. fusca damage was studied by inoculating maize ears with F. verticillioides isolate MRC826 and infesting plant whorls with aliquots of 10–15 neonate larvae at the 12th leaf stage prior to tasselling. To simulate hail damage, maize ears were mechanically wounded at the blister stage with cork borers of different sizes and number of wounds, with and without F. verticillioides inoculation. Uninoculated, uninfested and undamaged control treatments were included. Field trials were conducted over three seasons using a randomised complete block design with six replicates per treatment. In all seasons, most Fusarium ear rot developed on ears inoculated with F. verticillioides. This study indicated that B. fusca infestation was not associated with higher Fusarium ear rot incidence in two of the three seasons. Moreover, B. fusca infestation was not associated with high fumonisin production in any season. This indicates that the presence of B. fusca was not highly associated with Fusarium ear rot or fumonisin production, possibly due to its characteristic feeding nature that causes sporadic wounds on maize ears, but also the strong impact of weather variability. Fusarium ear rot development and fumonisin production by F. verticillioides inoculum varied seasonally indicating the importance of environmental conditions on Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production. Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production significantly increased with the severity of cork borer wounding in both naturally infected and artificially inoculated maize ears. Therefore, the prevention of severe injuries to kernels, whether by mechanical damage or insects, should be considered as important in reducing Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production in maize.

Interactive effects of simulated hail damage and plant density on maize seed quality

Interactive effects of simulated hail damage and plant density on maize seed quality

Above and below-ground environmental changes associated with the use of photoselective protective netting to reduce sunburn in apple

Anti-hail (protective) netting was originally developed to protect horticultural crops from hail damage. Netting reduces the amount and modifies the light reaching the orchard canopy. It also has the potential to optimize conditions for canopy and fruit growth and mitigate abiotic stress as climate change leads to increased temperatures. This study measured the effect of different colors of netting on the above and below-ground environment and apple sunburn incidence in a 3-year-old ‘Honeycrisp’ apple orchard growing in an irrigated desert climate in comparison to a traditional uncovered control. Netting did not affect air temperature or relative humidity within the orchard canopy, but reduced wind speed by 40% compared to the uncovered control. Netting reduced soil temperature and improved soil moisture at 20 and 40cm depths throughout the study period compared to the uncovered control. Amongst different colors of netting tested in this study, pearl and blue netting significantly reduced soil temperature compared to red netting. Netting also reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by approximately 20% and strongly reduced fruit surface temperature during hot periods. During full sunlight, differences in maximum fruit surface temperature between the uncovered control and the protective netting were 2.6–4.3°C under full sun conditions and reduced the incidence and severity of sunburn measured at harvest. As temperatures warm in the future, netting provides a viable option to mitigate some of the negative effects of excessive temperature and light on apple production in hot, dry growing regions.

Timing and Positioning of Simulated Hail Damage Effects on Wheat Yield in Kansas

Timing and Positioning of Simulated Hail Damage Effects on Wheat Yield in Kansas

Application of cokriging techniques for the estimation of hail size

There are primarily two ways of estimating hail size: the first is the direct interpolation of point observations, and the second is the transformation of remote sensing fields into measurements of hail properties. Both techniques have advantages and limitations as regards generating the resultant map of hail damage. This paper presents a new methodology that combines the above mentioned techniques in an attempt to minimise the limitations and take advantage of the benefits of interpolation and the use of remote sensing data. The methodology was tested for several episodes with good results being obtained for the estimation of hail size at practically all the points analysed. The study area presents a large database of hail episodes, and for this reason, it constitutes an optimal test bench.

Simulating yield and water use of a sorghum–cowpea intercrop using APSIM

Growth, yield and crop water use (ET) of a sorghum–cowpea intercrop system were evaluated using APSIM and data from field experiments conducted at Ukulinga Research Farm, South Africa over two seasons (2013/14 and 2014/15). Weather and soil data were observed in situ and input into APSIM. Data from optimum experiments (2013/14) was used for local adaptation of APSIM. Thereafter, the model was tested using data obtained from 2014/15 under various water management strategies [rainfed (RF), deficit (DI) and full irrigation (FI)]. Model simulations were evaluated using observed data for phenology, leaf number, leaf area index (LAI), biomass, yield, ET and water use efficiency (WUE). Model performance was assessed using R2, root mean squared error (RMSE) and its components (RMSEs and RMSEu) and the d-index. The model simulated phenology satisfactorily for sorghum (R2=0.98, RMSE=6.62days) and cowpea (R2=0.86, RMSE=13.67days) across different water regimes. The model underestimated LAI (36.98%); this was associated with defoliation of crop canopy due to hail damage. Satisfactory simulations (RMSE RF=145.38kgha−1<DI=37.38kgha−1<FI=35.99kgha−1) of sorghum yield (RF=953.63kgha−1<DI=1079.32kgha−1<FI=1082.52kgha−1). The model also gave satisfactory (RMSE RF=3.06kgmm−1ha−1>DI=1.97kgmm−1ha−1>FI=1.66kgmm−1ha−1) simulations of system WUE across the water regimes [RF=17.54kgmm−1ha−1>DI=16.43kgmm−1ha−1>FI=16.75kgmm−1ha−1]. The APSIM model was able to simulate growth, yield and WU of an intercrop system under varying water regimes, However, it is still limited with regards to rainfed conditions since it overestimated biomass (6.25%), yield (14.93%) and WU (7.29%) and under estimated WUEb (−14.86%). APSIM can still be used to determine best management practices for intercropping under water scarce environments.

Evaluation of approaches to identifying hail damage to crop vegetation using satellite imagery

Evaluation of approaches to identifying hail damage to crop vegetation using satellite imagery

Aerial multispectral imaging for crop hail damage assessment in potato

Crop loss assessment after an event of hailstorm can be inaccurate, subjective, and time consuming with the conventional method. Low-altitude, high-resolution aerial imaging using an unmanned aerial vehicle can be utilized for rapid assessment of target crops in a large scale, which can potentially improve the evaluation procedure. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of rapid and accurate assessment of crop damage due to simulated hailstorms using aerial multispectral imaging. Field experiments were conducted during two seasons in two potato varieties (Russet Norkotah, Ranger Russet) with three levels of mechanical defoliation (33%, 66%, and 99%) at three growth stages (tuber initiation, early bulk, and late bulk). All defoliation treatments were compared to the non-treated control plots (0% defoliation). Aerial multispectral images were collected between 77 and 108days after planting (0–60days after damage). Vegetation indices such as green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI), normalized difference vegetation index, and soil-adjusted vegetation index were calculated from replicate plots of different treatments. Results from two seasons showed similar trends in GNDVI values, with maximum effect of hail damage observed in early bulk stages. The mean GNDVI value was significantly lower in crops with the severe damage (99% defoliation) than others upon hail damage at the early bulk stage, with imaging after 10days after damage. The difference in GNDVI for crops with 33–66% damage could be detected within 10days after damage, and crop regrowth after that time period removed the effects of defoliation. The 99% defoliation damage at the early bulk stage also affected the crop yield significantly. Correlation analysis between vegetation indices and yield data indicated a strong relationship (r=0.77–0.90) for damage at the early bulk stage than other stages.

Comparative study of the effects of black or white hail nets on the fruit quality of ‘Golden Delicious’ apples

Introduction. The use of hail nets to protect apples during development and maturation on the tree is very common in Mexico. This practice can cause changes in fruit quality and aroma composition. The effects of the hail net color on the quality and aroma volatile production of apple cultivated in Chihuahua, Mexico, were evaluated. Materials and methods. ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees were covered with white or black hail nets. Apple samples were harvested weekly from August to early October, and analyzed for weight, axial and equatorial diameters, color (°Hue), firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, ethylene production (EC), and aroma volatile composition. The photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) was measured every ten days under each hail net and outside. Results and discussion. Apple quality was affected by hail net color. Black hail nets delayed maturation and quality development of apples by one week when compared with white hail nets. The PAR values were 18% lower under black nets than under white nets. Quality parameters at commercial harvest (162 days after full bloom) showed that white-net apples presented 7% lower firmness, 11.1% less acidity, 8.3% higher TSS and a more developed yellow color, when compared with black-net apples. In addition, white-net apples presented higher contents of the main aroma compounds (in μg L-1 ) 1-hexanol (8.09 vs. 4.38), 2-methyl-1-butanol (6.24 vs. 2.65), and 2-methyl-butyl acetate (0.47 vs. 0.16). At the same maturity stage (beginning of the climacteric rise), no difference was found between white- and black-net apples in TSS, acidity, firmness and aromatic compounds. Conclusion. Hail net functionality goes beyond protecting orchards from hail damage; hail net color affects the apple maturation rate, quality and aroma volatile production.

Developing the framework for a risk map for mite vectored viruses in wheat resulting from pre-harvest hail damage

There is a strong economic incentive to reduce mite-vectored virus outbreaks. Most outbreaks in the central High Plains of the United States occur in the presence of volunteer wheat that emerges before harvest as a result of hail storms. This study provides a conceptual framework for developing a risk map for wheat diseases caused by mite-vectored viruses based on pre-harvest hail events. Traditional methods that use NDVI were found to be unsuitable due to low chlorophyll content in wheat at harvest. Site-level hyperspectral reflectance from mechanically hailed wheat showed increased canopy albedo. Therefore, any increase in NIR combined with large increases in red reflectance near harvest can be used to assign some level of risk. The regional model presented in this study utilized Landsat TM/ETM+ data and MODIS imagery to help gap-fill missing data. NOAA hail maps that estimate hail size were used to refine the area most likely at risk. The date range for each year was shifted to account for annual variations in crop phenology based on USDA Agriculture statistics for percent harvest of wheat. Between 2003 and 2013, there was a moderate trend (R2 = 0.72) between the county-level insurance claims for Cheyenne County, Nebraska and the area determined to be at risk by the model (excluding the NOAA hail size product due to limited availability) when years with low hail claims (<400 ha) were excluded. These results demonstrate the potential of an operational risk map for mite-vectored viruses due to pre-season hail events.

Hail Study on a 15 Year Old Sprayed Polyurethane Foam Roofing System

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has utilized Alpha sprayed polyurethane (SPF) roof systems since the 1980s. Alpha SPF roof systems are high performing roof systems if installed properly and are very resistant to hail damage (hail damage is significant in the Dallas area). However, DISD, due to their low bid award procurement system, have had some poor performing roof systems installed by contractors who did not utilize performing materials and processes. The Alpha SPF roof system is now being questioned by designers who are not aware of their high performance and wanted to tear-off one of the oldest SPF roofing systems after a hail storm. This case study is on one of DISD roofs which were studied to determine the actual and potential service period based on actual performance. It was concluded that the roof is capable of lasting another 15 more years with a simple recoat (resulting in 38 years of performance at a fraction of the cost of a traditional modified roof).

Dano por Granizo na Cultura da Soja em Condições de Lavoura: Um Estudo de Caso

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar os danos causados por um evento de granizo sobre uma lavoura comercial de soja. O evento de granizo ocorreu no município de Água Santa, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, durante o ano agrícola de 2013/2014. Foram realizadas avaliações da matéria seca do limbo foliar, pecíolo, legume e do índice de área foliar. Tais medições foram obtidas em data anterior e posterior ao evento de granizo que ocorreu no dia 08/02/2014. Com o auxílio de imagens de satélites e de radar foi possível identificar a intensidade do evento e a presença de granizo nas nuvens. Os danos provocados pelo granizo na cultura da soja foram: a redução da matéria seca nos limbos foliares (0,13 Mg ha−1), nos pecíolos (0,01 Mg ha−1) e nos legumes (0,002 Mg ha−1) das plantas da lavoura; o decréscimo no índice de área foliar de 7 a 34%; e a quebra do ápice de crescimento em 32% das plantas do experimento. Possivelmente, devido a esta redução na massa seca, houve diminuição na produtividade de soja da lavoura. As imagens de satélite e de radar podem ser ferramentas para auxiliar os extensionistas na determinação dos danos de granizo nas lavouras de soja.

Protective rain shields alter leaf microclimate and photosynthesis in organic apple production

Plastic rain shields reduce the leaf and fruit wetness and protect apple trees against major leaf diseases and hail damage. Shielding the trees may reduce incoming radiation, especially in the ultraviolet (UV) region of the light spectrum, and affect the microclimate and photosynthesis. In July of 2014 and June of 2015, we measured the leaf microclimate and photosynthetic performance using chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange in the apple cultivar ‘Santana’ grown in three treatments. In one treatment the trees were exposed to natural light and sprayed (control), and in two treatments the trees were unsprayed and shielded with a plastic film not permeable to UV-light (UV-) or a plastic film permeable to UV-light (UV+). The light transmittance was reduced in the shielded treatments, protecting the leaves from high solar irradiance during noon on sunny days, and avoiding afternoon depression of photosynthesis. Due to this, the leaf photosynthetic rates were often higher in the protected trees in comparison to the control trees at similar high light intensities, whereas there were no differences between treatments on cloudy days. The effect of the UV+ film on photosynthesis did not differ from the UV- film, except there was a tendency for higher values accompanied with increased light transmittance of the UV+ film. We conclude that a microclimate with more diffused light maintained the photosynthetic yield, despite a lower light level under the rain shields.

Twenty Seasons of Airborne Hail Suppression In Alberta, Canada

After a catastrophic late-season hailstorm hit the Calgary, Alberta, metropolitan area in September 1991, causing about half a billion dollars (Canadian) in damage, the property and casualty insurance industry began actively seeking ways to actively mitigate hail damage. After nearly four years of intensive study and intra-industry negotiation, the Alberta Severe Weather Management Society (ASWMS) was born. The ASWMS was and is comprised of representatives of all the insurance companies making up &gt;90% market share in southern Alberta, and through levies based on their market share, annually fund an airborne cloud seeding program having the exclusive purpose of reducing damaging hailfalls in metropolitan areas, the Alberta Hail Suppression Project (AHSP). Beginning in 1996, this program has become an annual endeavor conducted from June through mid-September. This paper summarizes the current structure and operations of the AHSP, and through radar data compares seeded and unseeded storms that occurred on 21 July 2015, one of the most active days of the 2015 storm season.

Precursor Weather Conditions for Hail-Event Forecasting in the Moldavia

The present work analyzed a statistically representative number of severe convective events which caused hail and material damage during 1990-2015. For these episodes isotherms heights of 00C, -60C, -100 C and -200 C were analyzed. In areas encompassed between these three isotherms, the formation and growth of hailstones occur. The height of this isotherms in the period preceding hail is essential in weather forecast of this phenomenon. Lifted index values recorded before hail events are also correlated with height isotherms. The altitudinal differences between the height of -60C and -200C isotherm and freezing level which represents intervals of initiation and formation of hail are identified. Not at last the values of the meteorological indices used to forecast the potential formation and hail falling in extracarpathian Moldavia are presented in details.

ANÁLISE DE UM SISTEMA CONVECTIVO NO SUL DO BRASIL UTILIZANDO ÍNDICES DE INSTABILIDADE

The aim this study was to analyze the behavior a Mesoscale Convective System that occurred in southern South America on 20 and 21 October 2007. Observed that this system was due to the combined Subtropical Jet, advection heat and moisture at low levels. Such a system caused hail damage on October 20, 2007 in the following cities of Rio Grande do Sul State: Cândido Godoi, Ijui, Santo Cristo, Passo Fundo, Itaqui, Santa Rosa, Sao Sebastiao Missoes and 3 Maio. Were used Satellite images, WRF model and some indices atmospheric instability as K, TT and Lapse Rate. The index K values obtained between 10⁰C and 30⁰C, indicating no intense convection, according critical values in the existing literature. The TT index, with values between 45 and 51 ⁰C indicated favorable conditions for convection, with also slightly different values in the stages of formation and maturation. The Lapse Rate Index showed values between 16 and 20 ⁰C / km in both the formation and maturation of systems due to instability.

Effect of Foliar Fungicide and Insecticide on Hail-Damaged Soybean

A fungicide (pyraclostrobin) and an insecticide (alpha-cypermethrin) were applied alone or in combination to hail-injured soybean to determine if yield could be preserved or foliar disease prevented. Pesticides were applied at approximately R3 growth stage and hail injury was simulated with an ice-propelling machine at approximately R1 and R4 growth stages over three years at three Iowa locations. Disease severity was low throughout the study, and included Septoria brown spot, downy mildew, and Cercospora leaf blight. Differences in disease severity among treatments receiving hail and those that did not receive hail were not consistently detected. More importantly, foliar disease severity did not differ among pesticide treatments and untreated controls. Simulated hail caused significant (P = 0.1) yield loss. No difference in yield was observed between untreated and pesticide-treated plots within hail events, except for two site years when hail damage occurred at R1. Seed moisture was generally higher in plots with R1 hail damage. Fungicide and insecticide applied in combination to hail-damaged soybean was more likely to result in a positive economic return than either applied alone. Based on results, R3 fungicide application to soybean injured by hail at R1 or R4 will likely provide little yield-preserving or disease-limiting benefits when foliar disease severity is low. Accepted for publication 21 April 2016. Published 20 June 2016.

Effect of Foliar Fungicides on Hail-damaged Corn

To test if fungicide applied to hail-injured corn improves yield and reduces disease, we simulated hail at VT and R2 growth stages for three years at three Iowa locations for a total of five site years. Hail damage was simulated using a string trimmer or an ice-propelling machine and non-hail controls were included. Estimated defoliation ranged from 5 to 51%, along with ear and stalk injury. After hail events, Headline AMP fungicide (pyraclostrobin + metconazole) was applied at an “immediate” or “deferred” timing (averaging 3 and 8 days afterwards, respectively). A non-fungicide treated control was included in hailed and non-hail control plots. Hail injury reduced fungal foliar disease compared to plants without hail injury, although overall disease severity was low during this study. Hail events at VT or R2 decreased yield compared to control plots (P = 0.1). Fungicide application did not provide yield-increasing plant health benefits after VT and R2 hail, at either “immediate” or “deferred” timing. While yield differences were not statistically significant, a cost/benefit analysis showed deferred fungicide application after VT hail, and immediate and deferred applications after VT for non-hail plots did provide positive economic returns. Results will help inform decisions about fungicide use in hail-damaged corn when foliar diseases are not present at high levels. Accepted for publication 7 January 2016. Published 13 January 2016.

English

Forensic engineering is a compendium of the investigative methodologies used by engineers and scientific investigators to evaluate some of the more common types of failures and catastrophic events. In essence, it provides analyses and methods for determining how an entity was damaged and when that damage may have legal consequences. It covers common types of failures, catastrophic events, and losses that forensic engineers routinely assess. The range of topics include wind and blasting damage to structures, vehicular accidents, fires, explosions, hail damage to roofs and exteriors, lighting damage, and industrial guarding accidents. Additionally, it offers an extensive discussion of the scientific method as it applies to forensic science and provides tips on organising and writing an investigative report. The forensic engineer is yet to be used in various roles in India viz. traffic accidents, court proceedings and spot investigation. Here an effort is made to highlight the applications of the subject and to stress the importance of this field in the administration of justice in the Indian scenario.