The reductions in numbers of days having nights below 6°C is likely to lead to a higher incidence of pests and diseases. The following approaches to adaptation can be considered by growers:
- Monitoring-based pest control measures will be the most important response to potentially increased pest risks under a future climate;
- In some areas and in some years, the deployment of traps may need to be adjusted;
- Moth control i.e. the optimal timing and frequency of insecticide applications, can be undertaken scientifically using degree-day models. When based on measured temperatures on-farm or nearby (weather stations), this will automatically adjust to a shifting climate over time.