Climate change adaptation strategy of Greco grapevine

Climate change is severely impacting viticulture in the southern Mediterranean, particularly in regions like Campania, Italy. This study investigated the effects of climate change on Greco, a native grape cultivar, by examining the relationship between water balance and grape quality to provide practical support to farmers. A three-year field experiment was conducted in a vineyard owned by Feudi di San Gregorio winery in Santa Paolina (Avellino, Italy) employing various soil and canopy management practices. The data collected were used to calibrate and validate the SWAP agro-hydrological model, analyze the soil-plant-atmosphere system, and evaluate the impacts of climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) on grape quality. Results showed that managing water stress is crucial for achieving the desired grape quality, with the required level of °Brix, in particular during veraison when crop water stress index (CWSI) reaches values below 20 %. When the expected climate change is considered using a simulation modelling application, in the periods of 2010–2040, 2040–2070, and 2070–2100, significant rise in water stress is expected with an increase on average by 7 %, 9 %, and 8 % respectively in the RCP 4.5 scenario and 4 %, 9 %, and 14 % in the RCP 8.5 compared to the Reference Climate (RC). This research provides practical support for farmers adapting to climate change and ensuring the resilience of Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin areas. The study was part of the GREASE project funded by the Campania Region, focusing on sustainable cultivation practices for Greco.