Contents:

INTRODUCTION
In cooperation with the Oregon State University Entomology Department, Integrated Plant Protection Center, Cooperative Extension Service, Hood River Grower Shippers, Bear Creek Orchards in Medford, Oregon Climate Service, MSU - Bozeman, UI - Moscow, UAF - Alaska, NOAA, NWS, and US Bur. Reclamation, we have been working to make real-time daily weather data, degree-days, and phenology models available to serve agricultural and pest management needs for Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and SW. Canada. These formatted weather data, degree-days, and degree-day products (calculators, models, maps, and map calculator) are kept current and relevant for pest management decision making purposes for Extension personnel, growers, field persons, consultants, researchers, and students.

8/27/99
The calculator linked to the tables has been updated, meaning that ALL degree-day calculations and models are linked to a single application, /cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl. This again means that upgrades can be concentrated on one general purpose product rather than five or six special purpose products. This new change also demonstrates how a HTML file may be customized to link to the ddmodel.pl program, so that the user interface (and options shown) can be adjusted for multiple needs.

This change completes removing dependence on the old NT server, freeing it for upgrades and future developments. This means you should check and possibly update your bookmarks and links from your own web pages.

We added N. Vancouver to the list of Washington stations.

7/15/99
We have released a major upgrade to the calculator/modeling tools to solve several needs. Try it at /cgi-bin/ddmodel.pl. This new tool will be replacing several older versions, all of which run on an older Windows NT server that is sometimes unreliable. Now we have a 5-in-1 tool, so that new features, such as allowing the use of Celsius degrees, need be implemented only once. The older tools that will soon be removed include the basic calculator, weacalc.html, the insect and crop models, weamodl.html, the plant disease models, weamodpp.html, the Java DD calculator, DDC.html, and the file upload version of the model program, weamod.pl. As I mentioned, this new version will save a lot of time by not requiring the maintaining of so many similar products. New features, besides Celsius, include allowing that individual species can be "bookmarked" (or added as "favorites"), the ability to run a model using ONLY historical average weather (just select "none" for current weather), and graphics for charting current and historical degree-days and even precipitation. This charting feature improves upon that provided by the Java DD calculator (which recently broke and is not yet working, unfortunatly) in several ways, including showing model events and not just degree-day accumulations over time. Other features that were in some, but not all, of the older products include 5-day forecasts from weather.com, historical forecasts using average or past data, ability to enter an ending date for the calculations, and ability to upload your own weather data files.

In addition, we have 2 new models in development (not officially released yet), but you may preview them: the Codling moth mating disruption control model for isomate c+, which attempts to predict the life-span of the dispensors in the field (documentation not available yet), and a model of wheat development, as reported in "Early growth and development of cereals" by R. S. Karow, E. L. Klepper, R. W. Rickman, and R. R. Toll (EM 8542/ Sept 1993; not available online yet). Let us know what you think, and send in your ideas for other models and suggestions for improving this website, to Len Coop at coopl@bcc.orst.edu.

4/15/99
Several noticable improvements were made to the MAP CALCULATOR application, including 4 new regions (NW,SW,NE,SE Oregon, making 11 total), so everyone in Oregon + "edges" has at least one level of "zoom-in".

Also we have two new sets of color tables, adding a great deal more resolution to the maps and legends. First we have "up to 4000" and "up to 8000", which use a higher resolution fixed color table, and should accomodate a much wider range of DDs with better discrimination when used with the contour intervals. Second we have the "hires" series which uses a 25 degree-day stepping rate, which is a great improvement for when relatively few DDs have accumulated. The "hires" series expects you to set the contour rate at 25 or higher. The default legend was changed to "hires to 850" which means that the legend will cover only the range from 0 to 850 DDs. If you use a low threshold, or it is later in the season, you may either want to select "hires 750-1600", "hires 1500-2350" or even "up to 4000 or 8000" for the legend. Speaking of the legend itself, I have fixed a couple of long-standing glitches so they will look better (now no category numbers or slightly offset color within the boxes).

Added "10" to the contour line interval option.

For weather station labels, we separated RAWS from the others so that you only see them if you select "ALL" labels. Also, if you select any labels, a small credit to Oregon State University and web address are shown at the bottom. We made other misc. cosmetic changes also to maps.

3/16/99
MISC CHANGES
The home page has been re-designed. The fire blight (cougarblight) model has been revised slightly. We added Portland, Okanogan, and Pasco to the 5-day forecast locations. Updated the links page with links to current satellite images. The weather data access map has been brought mostly up-to-date with new weather stations.

We now use the RAWS (USDA Forest Service, BLM, and other Federally managed lands) weather station network to help compute daily degree-day maps and for the map calculator, which will help improve their accuracy. Additional weather stations from 18 Hydromet, 2 Agrimet (Aurora and Hereford) and 7 NWS (Aurora, Hillsboro, Scappoose, Troutdale, Walla Walla, and Pasco) have also been added. Degree-day maps are now typically computed from more than 160 stations.

We have added heating and cooling degree-days to the table and regular calculators. Note that the lower threshold is usually set to 65 F for heating and cooling degree-days. These are used to compute costs of heating and cooling buildings, not for pest management. A World of Weather has a web page describing heating and cooling degree days in more detail.

LOG OF WHATS NEW 1998
12/9/98
DEGREE-DAY MAPPING CALCULATOR
We have combined an online degree-day calculator with our GIS degree-day mapping technology to give you much greater flexibility in creating your own maps. You can set the lower and upper thresholds, the calculation method, the starting and stopping date, the type of map (current, historical average, or deviations), region (Oregon and 7 preselected smaller regions) contour line interval, labeling option, and map size. Refer to the documentation before using this tool.

10/13/98
INFOWORLD TOP 100
This site made the Infoworld 100 top Information Technology sites for 1998. Read about it at Infoworld Top 100 IT sites.

9/9/98
REVISED DEGREE-DAY MAPS PAGE
Now we include close-ups of Hood River and the Dalles, and thumbnails of all maps, updated daily. The precision of these close-up maps are not high, but an informal test demonstrated that the overall error was very low (1-5%), about as good as the precision of the color legend.

6/30/98
ADDED PANDEMIS MODEL TO DAILY DEGREE-DAY MODELS
The orchard pest known as the Pandemis leafroller, was added to the list of insect pest models available online. This is a model by Jay Brunner, WSU, and it is the version which does not require a BIOFIX (a default of March 1 is used).

6/17/98
ADDED CONTOUR LINES TO DAILY DEGREE-DAY MAPS (N. CENTRAL OREGON ONLY)
For better interpretation and interpolation of actual degree-day accumulations, we have added contour lines to the map series for N. Central Oregon.

6/15/98
NEW FILE-UPLOAD VERSION OF DD MODELS
A file-upload version of the degree-day models program now allows anyone to use their own data to estimate crop and pest development. Just use the same file format that we use here (month day max min), and you can run any of the models by UPLOADING your data to our server (just click browse, and know where you are storing your data file). This way, use of this web site is no longer limited to the online weather data network (currently 75 sites). Anyone with a max-min thermometer (or better) can now use the model to better predict crop and pest developments at their precise location (Thanks for the suggestion to Ted Alway, WSU Extension, Areawide Codling Moth Program Newsletter Editor).

6/8/98
ADDED LABELS TO DAILY DEGREE-DAY MAPS (N. CENTRAL OREGON ONLY)
For better referencing, most weather site labels were added to the N. Central Oregon map series.

6/1/98
ADDED MORE DAILY DEGREE-DAY MAPS ZOOMED-IN TO N. CENTRAL OREGON; NEW SPECIES MODEL
Now the Willamette Valley, Portland metro area, Hood River, The Dalles, and Central Oregon are presented at a higher resolution with new maps, available from the Daily Degree-day maps page.
Added San Jose Scale model - requires sticky trap catch BIOFIX - first male catch.

5/28/98
NEW LOCATIONS; CHANGED BIOFIX BEHAVIOR

• New locations were added: Meacham OR (near LaGrande), Yakima WA, Ellensburg WA, and Pasco WA (all are National Weather Service sites).
• Changed BIOFIX - now the cumulative degree-days are reset to zero beginning the day after BIOFIX, not on the same day as BIOFIX. Thanks to Rick Hilton, Southern Oregon Experiment Station for the suggestion.
• Updated weather map and all calculator pages with new weather sites.

5/26/98
CURRENT CONDITIONS PAGE
A page has been added, describing current conditions, with graphs, pointers to degree-day maps, and status of selected pests for various crops, at the current conditions page. This page will be updated at least weekly through the season.

5/24/98
NEW DEGREE-DAY MODEL
Added obliquebanded leafroller [hazelnut, tree fruits, & small fruits] degree-day model to insect and crop models.

5/20/98
NEW AND UPDATED MODELS
All degree-day models, insect and crop and diseases, are now stored in a database for easier additions and updates. One new feature of the new models is that up to 12 events are now allowed (old version allowed only 8 events). New species include: bertha armyworm [vegetables], cabbage looper [vegetables], corn earworm [sweet corn], black cutworm [sweet corn], and orange tortrix [small fruits], making a total of 14 models online. The number of events was expanded for codling moth and sweet corn models. Also, 5-day forecasts are available for selected sites (as added to plant disease models earlier).

5/3/98
DAILY UPDATED DEGREE-DAY MAPS
On a daily basis, new Oregon degree-day maps are created. For comparison, historical average maps and difference maps are also created daily. With these maps, you can quickly determine how much warmer or cooler it is so far this year versus the historical normals. Currently only the thresholds 41 and 50 deg. F. are placed on-line.

For example, at a 41 F base threshold, as of yesterday (May 2), the state is mostly around 150-300 degree-days warmer than normal, although areas in the far east and south central portion of the state are 0 to 50 DDs warmer than normal, and it continues to be much warmer than normal around Bandon on the coast.

4/13/98
NEW AGRIMET SITES ADDED
Now Powell Butte and Imbler (near Lagrande), OR plus 14 Idaho and 8 Washington sites have been added to this website. The total number of sites is now at 71.

4/4/98
SELECTED PLANT DISEASE MODELS
Fireblight and apple scab models now on-line.

MAPS OF HISTORICAL AVERAGE DEGREE-DAY ACCUMULATIONS
DD maps of selected monthly accumulations were computed and interpolated for the entire state now on-line.

THE JAVA DEGREE-DAY CALCULATOR IS BACK
JAVA DD CALC has been improved with line charts of degree-day accumulations.

12/22/97
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DEGREE-DAYS
FAQ with brief answers and links to additional on-line resources.

LOG OF WHATS NEW 1997
10/15/97
ALLOW TABLE
calculator access to all available data, not just current year

7/9/97
SPECIES ADDED TO PHENOLOGY MODEL PAGE
Now there are an additional 3 species available: cherry fruit fly, variegated cutworm, and strawberry root weevil. Note that these models were developed for use in specific crops, and may not be applicable for other crops. For example, variegated cutworm feeds on many fruit and vegetable crops, and will develop larval populations much earlier on crops other than peppermint, on which this model was developed.

7/1/97
NEW PHENOLOGY MODEL INTRODUCED
Have added a version of the calculator that allows parameterization of distinct species. This means that the calculator can now function as a full-fledged (yet simple) degree-day/phenology model. It also means that we can easily input parameters that have been published over the years, and use these models for field validation and then actual use in improving pest control decision making. As this web page is still under development, be careful about using it and be sure to read the disclaimer placed in the species library page, where individual on-line models are documented. Also, be sure to visit the University of California Degree Day Web pages for more information to aid in understanding models and how to make proper use of them.

6/11/97
Four new NWS sites were added: Tillamook, Florence, McMinnville, and Sexton Summit (near Grants Pass). The calculator, map and table pages have been updated. The total number of sites on-line is now 49.

5/16/97
NEW CALCULATOR FEATURES
We have improved the new CGI degree-day calculator and separated it from the table of weather data. New features include a library of thresholds for different pest species, and the ability to enter a starting date for degree-day accumulations (BIOFIX). The defaults are set for Codling moth, single sine curve calculations (the default used by the University of California as well), January 1st for BIOFIX, and Corvallis Oregon as the location. Be sure to make the needed selections for your pest/calculation method/starting date/and location of choice. Be sure to select the proper "radio buttons" if you want to enter your own thresholds or use a location from Central/Eastern Oregon; it is not done automatically. The previous JAVA version of this calculator has been taken off-line for further improvements. Let us know if this one meets your needs and what features you would like us to add.

5/14/97
VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS
In response to problems encountered with different users' web browsers, a few changes were made that should increase weather file compatibility:
1. All weather files are served from the main OSU web server now instead of the FTP server.
2. Changed weather file extension from .wea to .txt so that most browsers can recognize and display them as simple ascii text files.
These features were also added:
3. Updated the station list file so that station codes, counties, elevation, latitude, and longitude are available for locating weather stations.
4. Added 30-year historical average weather files for most NWS sites to the weather data table.

5/8/97
NEW CGI DEGREE-DAY CALCULATOR
Added a new degree-day calculator to the weather data table which allows the calculation of degree-days for non-Java enabled browsers. Also, this calculator makes six calculation methods available, from simple averaging and growing degree-days to single and double triangulation and sine curve methods Using this web page method is easy - just change the default lower temperature threshold from the default of "50" degrees fahrenheit to the value you need, enter an upper threshold (if desired), select a calculation method (double sine is default), click the radio button next to the location desired, and click on the nearby "calc" button. The results will appear in a few seconds in your browser window. Then you may print them, save as a file to your hard drive, or cut and paste the results into your spreadsheet or word processor. The calculation for the upper threshold (if used) are based upon the horizontal cutoff method, which is appropriate for most insects in temperate climates. This calculator is written in AWK (a UNIX scripting language), and a DOS/WINDOWS compatible version will soon be made available for downloading and use on your own computer off-line.

3/17/97
BACK-UP SITE
If the FTP server is down, try this back-up site for current weather data: http://ipm-dd.orst.edu/wea

3/13/97
ACCESS MAP
A map of the 45 existing sites has been added, and the weather data web pages have been revised and restructured. The pages were moved to http://www.orst.edu/Dept/IPPC/wea.

3/10/97
28 NEW SITES ADDED
We have added 28 new sites collected from National Weather Service sources. These include most major cities in Oregon, including many in agricultural areas. The total number of on-line weather stations is now 45. In addition, we have started an error log file to record dates and locations when data are missing, and what has been done to replace missing data.

2/13/97
JAVA DEGREE-DAY CALCULATOR
We have version 1.0 of our new JAVA Degree-Day Calculator on-line. Just select a location, start and stop dates, lower and upper threshold values, and calculate degree days! The results will be added to the weather data format in additional columns representing daily and cumulative degree-days. These degree-days are currently calculated using the DOUBLE triangulation method, which result in slightly different daily degree-day values than if calculated by other methods. Let us know what you think.

LOG OF WHATS NEW 1996
7/13/96
DEGREE-DAYS ADDED TO DATA FILES
We have added DEGREE-DAYS (50 degrees Fahrenheit lower threshold, no upper threshold). These are computed using the single triangulation calculation method, which is nearly as accurate as the more complex methods available such as the double sine curve method. These degree-days are computed on a daily basis, and added to the data after PRECIPITATION. These degree-days can be used for most organisms that use a low threshold of 50 degrees F, including CODLING MOTH, Oblique-Banded Leafroller, Orange Tortrix, and the predator mite Neoseiulus fallacis.

7/13/96
STATION DESCRIPTIONS FOR AGRIMET SITES
You can now retrieve full station description and recording information, to determine if a particular station is near you and includes the information you need. Just click on the station codes shown in the degree-day table.

On-line since April 5, 1996
Last updated Mar 8, 2002
Contact Len Coop at coopl@bcc.orst.edu if you have any questions about this information.