> Plants do NOT, however, primarily respond to photoperiod, though there is
> a correlation.  The stronger correlation to bloom date is
> growing-degree-days.  In other words, keep it cold enough and it doesn't
> matter if the sun shines 24 hours a day - the plant won't grow.
>

I have been keeping temperature records for many years just to keep track
of degree days for my garden and there is a correlation with them and bloom
date as well as pest management. I compared notes a bit ago with another
beekeeper who keeps records of spring start and we have shifts of two or
more weeks from"normal" both earlier and later dependent on temperatures.

Agree with Mike.It might be that photoperiod starts the pregnancy, but
temperature is what induces labor.

Interesting discussion.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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