Analyzes of Autumnal, Winter and Spring Frost Damage at the Wine Regions of Hungary

Abstract

While frost is a natural phenomenon in Hungary from autumn to spring, the frost damage, causing crop damage and yield reduction or even harvest shortfall, does not occur every year. The aim of the study was to estimate the occurrence and frequency of frost damage in autumnal, winter and spring frost damage from the CarpatClim data base, in the wine regions of Hungary. Determining the daily distribution of the LT50 function between September 7 and May 15, with the Cold Hardiness model which contains 23 grape varieties, the occurrence probability of autumnal, winter and spring frost damage can be accurately determined. The extent of frost damage, frost duration and strength of frost is significantly affected by tolerance of grape varieties. We analysed the extent of autumnal, winter and spring frost damage respectively at frost susceptible, moderately frost-tolerant and frost-tolerant grape varieties. We examined the stepovers of frost damage thresholds by using CARPATCLIM database during the period between 1961-2010. The results provide not only frost damage quantification, but they may also help to judge the complex value of cultivation areas more accurately and to parameterize the crop safety of wine regions.

Keywords

• frost damage
• LT50 function
• wine regions
• wine grapes
• CarpatClim data