Orchard Management under Climate Change

Climate is one of the most important limiting factors for fruit production, and climate change affects a range of physiological processes in fruit tree species, such as their phenological stages, bud dormancy and bud burst, pollination and fruiting, growth and fruit quality. Research shows that erratic weather events such as extreme heat, drought and sudden frost are responsible for stress in fruit trees, which can negatively affect fruit quality, sugar content, acidity and overall flavor. In a warming world, orchards face a range of environmental challenges that affect growth and productivity. Farmers need to adapt to protect their crops from the effects of climate change in this scenario. Fruit trees pose unique adaptation challenges for growers. Likewise, researchers are facing an increasing demand for studies on this topic to find solutions for managing orchards under changing climatic conditions and extreme weather events. Because of the importance of the topic, ongoing studies should be encouraged and shared quickly so that readers can find approaches and results that address their questions. Climate change is a very topical and relevant issue for orchard management and is addressed in various ways in this Reprint. Contributions cover sustainable cultural practices in different orchards under different climatic conditions, as well as long-term studies on the effects of global warming on grapevines.