TechNotes Tips - 03.15.02

The potential for crabgrass germination is increasing in the southeastern United States through the transition zone. Soil temperatures are expected to rise over the next few weeks providing better conditions for germination. For information on preventing crabgrass with Barricade herbicides, see:

http://www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com/labels/Index.asp?nav=PrdLst&F=PrdDsp, and http://www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com/labels/Index.asp?nav=PrdLst&F=PrdDsp

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is warning about the possibility of an El Nino reappearing this year. El Nino is a weather phenomena that occurs every two to seven years. The last El Nino occurred 1997-1998. In normal years the Pacific trade winds blow eastto west, bringing warm surface water from off the west coast of South America across the Pacific. During an El Nino, the winds stop and/or reverse. This disruption causes worldwide changes in climate. For parts of the United States, the El Nino can cause heavy rains and severe flooding. For more information on the likelihood of an El Nino see:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20020306/sc_nm/weather_elnino_dc_5