CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER RESOURCES: HOW TO INTEGRATE METEOROLOGICAL DATA IN ORDER TO BETTER MANAGE VINE WATER STRESS.

While the 2003 drought and heat wave will be remembered, numerous climate specialists predict more vintages with similar characteristics every second year in the second half of the century, or even more at the end of the 21st century. In the Mediterranean region, the summers following 2003 have not reassured the persons affected by the climate, mainly the agricultural professionals. Thus, it is interesting to present some bases of current scientific reasonings leading to the formulations of such hypotheses in order to better assess the validity of these predicted changes. Aside from studies on the future of the climate, the meteorological characteristics of the vintage can already be integrated into agronomic modelling tools in order to assist producers to make planting choices. Such models already exist, for example, to help managing water stress in the vineyard. To access the full text of this article, follow the link on the right.