Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor.

Rapid Apple Decline – massive die-offs of young apple trees across Northeastern U.S. and Canada

Posted by TW on April 12, 2019. Watchers.news

An unknown disease now called Rapid Apple Decline (RAD) and Sudden Apple Decline (SAD) is affecting young apple trees across Northeastern U.S. and neighboring parts of Canada, causing massive die-offs. The problem was first recognized about 8 years ago. The most plausible hypothesis is winter injury caused by severe temperature fluctuations.

The problem has been recognized across America’s north-east, in North Carolina and in Canada.  Science magazine reports that up to 80% of North Carolina’s orchards may have been affected

Kari Peter, an assistant research professor in tree fruit pathology with Pennsylvania State University, was one of the first to sound an alarm after observing in 2013 what’s now called Rapid Apple Decline and Sudden Apple Decline because of the short period from the time the first symptoms appear to tree death.

The diagnostic characteristics are as follows:

A block can have a mix of dead, declining and healthy trees dispersed fairly evenly throughout a block.

Young (2 – 8 yr), dwarf trees are most susceptible (to date, semi-dwarf rootstocks have not been associated with this issue); multiple varieties and rootstocks (M9 most affected).

The graft union is affected: severe shedding of bark around graft union and cankers are present.

Necrosis begins at the graft union and it proceeds up the trunk of the tree.

Affected wood is usually solid and not spongy.

The rootstock is healthy, as indicated by many rootstock suckers present, as well as a healthy root system.

The leaves on the trees begin to look pale yellow, then reddish (indicating tree girdling), and within two weeks the tree can be dead.

Trees can collapse with a full load of large fruit.

Total collapse of the trees has been observed from late July through September.

“If you talk to many folks, winter injury is the ultimate cause for RAD,” Peter said.

“The trees became weakened due to the stress (severe temperature fluctuations) of winter and ultimately became susceptible to weaker diseases that caused the tree to decline and die. This is a very plausible hypothesis since our 2014 and 2015 winters were exceptionally challenging. However, I question this theory based on my own observations in my problematic apple block.”

“This is a very tough, serious, costly issue and it most likely will take some time to get to the bottom of the problem. A lot of minds in the industry are working together to figure this out,” Peter said.

Featured image credit: Kari A. Peter, PSU