Current trends of agroclimatic indices applied to grapevine in Tuscany (Central Italy)

Global warming is causing wide changes in atmospheric events with critical impacts on vegetations. Indeed, an increase of temperature variability has been observed, primarily due to increase in warm extremes. Temperature rising will lead to several consequences. For example, growing season lengthening is observed, but at the same time, plants grow faster, thus giving productions low in quality and quantity. Finally. concerning the Mediterranean region, it is evaluated that a greater water request is needed for irrigation. Besides, high maximum temperatures during summer months may cause drop in quality. On the opposite, concerning winter risks, earlier bud break will increase late frost risks. The aim of this study is to cover some aspects of warming temperature and phenological responses oil grapevine ill central Italy. The research is focused oil climatic and agroclimatic indices calculated in 1955-2007 period. Regression trend, linear or non-parametric, depending oil the distribution of data. was fitted to provide pictures of changes that have occurred.