Nature blooms early due to climate change

NEW YORK, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- A U.S. scientist says global warming is affecting the growing season for some crops in the northeastern United States.

Cornell University Professor of Horticulture David Wolfe says such northeastern U.S. plants and crops as lilacs, apples and grapes are blooming several days earlier than they did during the 1960s. He also says mating-call dates of frogs have advanced 13 days during the past century.

Wolfe says with every species responding a little differently to climate change, nature's synchrony becomes confused. Pollinating insects start missing blossom pollination periods, while insect pests gain leverage over their natural enemies.

He notes global warming can present heat-stress problems for cows and will likely slow dairy production, potentially causing the cost of milk to increase.

Wolfe is to present his study Sept. 15 in New York City during a symposium sponsored by the New York Botanical Garden.

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is to deliver the symposium's keynote address.