Severe Frost Research Articles

Flowering in the Northern Hemisphere is delayed by frost after leaf-out

Late spring frosts, occurring after spring phenological events, pose a dire threat to tree growth and forest productivity. With climate warming, earlier spring phenological events have become increasingly common and led to plants experiencing more frequent and severe frost damage. However, the effect of late spring frosts after leaf-out on subsequent flowering phenology in woody species remains unknown. Utilizing 572,734 phenological records of 640 species at 5024 sites from four long-term and large-scale in situ phenological networks across the Northern Hemisphere, we show that late spring frosts following leaf-out significantly delay the onset of the subsequent flowering by approximately 6.0 days. Late-leafing species exhibit greater sensitivity to the frosts than early-leafing species, resulting in a longer delay of 2.5 days in flowering. Trees in warm regions and periods exhibit a more pronounced frost-induced flowering delay compared to those in cold regions and periods. A significant increase in the frequency of late spring frost occurrence is observed in recent decades. Our findings elucidate the intricate relationships among leaf-out, frost, and flowering but also emphasize that the sequential progression of phenological events, rather than individual phenological stages, should be considered when assessing the phenological responses to climate change.

Assessment of the influence of climatic factors on the state of terrestrial ecosystems in the Northwestern region of Russia

The article analyzes the change of climatic conditions in the Northwest of Russia, including the characteristics of dangerous hydrometeorological events (cold and heat waves, strong winds, extreme rainfall, snowfall, ice-frost deposits, hail) and slow climatic changes (increase in the number of days with the transition of air temperature through 0°С, coastal abrasion) in connection with their negative impact on terrestrial ecosystems. It was found that the influence of meteorological and climatic factors on terrestrial ecosystems is most pronounced in the northern part of the studied region, especially on the coast of the Barents Sea. Towards the south, the values of all indicators gradually decrease, and their structure changes. In the northern part of the study area (Murmansk and Arkhangelsk oblasts, the Nenets Autonomous Okrug), phenomena associated with strong winds and intensive ice-frost deposition, which contribute to the formation of an ice crust on the Earth’s surface, prevail. As one moves away from the coast, severe frost is observed more often (Komi Republic). In the center and south of the region, heavy rainfall, severe frost, and intense heat are the most frequent, resulting in a high fire hazard. The study carried out the ranking of the subjects of the Northwestern Federal District according to the degree of intensity of this process. Comprehensive assessments of the negative impact of changing climatic conditions on terrestrial ecosystems can be used to make decisions on the development of a strategy for environmental security of the regions of the Russian Federation.

Severe winter conditions in the Citlaltepetl-Cofre de Perote mountain range, 2021-2022

The central border that divides the states of Puebla and Veracruz is characterized by being the highest territorial limit in Mexico; it is composed of three of the highest mountains in the country. This border reaches a length of 100 km, forming a watershed that continuously exceeds 3000 m in altitude. Due to its elevation, winter freezing conditions are frequent; however, due to changing climate patterns, in recent winter seasons, severe frosts and snowfalls have occurred at elevations well below the main peaks, affecting the health of thousands of vulnerable residents of both states surrounding this mountain range. Because the 2021-2022 winter season was one of the most intense in all North America, with severe impacts in Mexico as a result of freezing temperatures and snowfall, this work analyzes the winter conditions in 2021-2022 through the monitoring of frontal systems and the analysis of data from automatic meteorological stations near the study area. From the records, the lower limit of surface freezing was estimated for each arrival of cold air masses; the occurrence of snowfall was determined by remote sensing, and the area of snow cover was also calculated. At the same time, the population affected by freezing weather conditions was estimated. The surface freezing starts at elevations as low as 2259 m, covering an area of up to 2949 km2, which corresponds to the entire study region, affecting 139 towns in Veracruz and 163 in Puebla.

Effect of freeze-thaw treatments with different conditions on frost fatigue in three diffuse-porous trees.

In addition to inducing xylem embolism, freeze-thaw events can cause frost fatigue phenomena. Freezing temperature, freezing times, number of freeze-thaw cycles and frost drought can affect the level of freeze-thaw-induced embolism, but it is unknown whether there is an effect on frost fatigue. We assessed whether these frost-related factors changed frost fatigue in the three diffuse-porous species by simulating freeze-thaw treatments under different conditions. We also proposed a new metric, embolism area, in place of embolism resistance, to more accurately quantify the shift of the vulnerability curve after experiencing freeze-thaw-induced embolism and refilling. Frost fatigue caused vulnerability curves of all species to change from S-shaped to double S-shaped or even R-shaped curves. When exposed to a freeze-thaw event, Acer truncatum showed strong resistance to frost fatigue; in contrast, Populus (I-101×84K) and Liriodendron chinense were more vulnerable. Changing freezing temperature and times did not impact the response to frost fatigue in the three species, but a greater number of freeze-thaw cycles and more severe frost drought significantly exacerbated their fatigue degree. Considering that frost fatigue may be a widespread phenomenon among temperate diffuse-porous species, more work is needed in the future to reveal the mechanisms of frost fatigue.

Theoretical analysis of the mechanical response of a lined canal induced by soil frost heave behavior based on improved foundation beam models

Lined canals in cold regions often experience severe frost damage, posing a significant threat to the water supply safety. This paper proposes a modified analytical solution for the response of canal lining under soil frost heave, which is based on a Timoshenko beam on a Pasternak foundation considering tangential contact between the lining and frozen soil. This analytical solution can provide any solution using Timoshenko or Euler–Bernoulli beams on Pasternak or Winkler foundations with or without tangential contact. Then, the modified analytical solution, along with the traditional analytical solutions using Euler–Bernoulli beams on Winkle foundations, is compared against both model test and numerical simulation results. The modified analytical solution performs better than the traditional solution. Finally, the effects of foundation model, beam model, and tangential contact in simulating canal frost heave were discussed, and some measures to mitigate canal frost heave are proposed. The results show that solutions based on Winkler foundation overestimate frost heaves and tensile stresses of canal linings, and solutions without considering tangential contact only obtains overestimated frost heave. In addition, solutions based on Euler–Bernoulli beams underestimate frost heaves slightly and overestimate tensile stresses slightly. Therefore, the Pasternak foundation, Euler–Bernoulli beam, and tangential contact model can be used to simulate canal frost heave. The modified analytical solution directly uses field measurements of soil free frost heave to calculate canal frost heave, thereby enhancing result reliability. This analytical solution provides a simple method for canal frost heave design, and can be applied to frost heave analyses of flat and inclined structures.

Growth and yield-related traits of near-isogenic wheat lines carrying different alleles at the Vrn-D1 locus

ABSTRACT At the major vernalization locus ‘Vrn-D1’, the spring allele, Vrn-D1a, and two winter alleles, Vrn-D1b and vrn-D1, have been identified in wheat. We conducted field trials to determine the effects of alleles on growth and yield-related traits, using near-isogenic lines developed in the genetic background of spring type wheat cultivars, ‘Abukumawase’ and ‘Asakazekomugi’, both of which carry the Vrn-D1a allele. Although maturity date of three alleles was same, the panicle development occurred earlier in the following order of genotype: Vrn-D1a > Vrn-D1b > vrn-D1. There was a significant difference in panicle development even between two winter type alleles vrn-D1 and Vrn-D1b. Grain yield and the spikelet number per spike of the original spring type cultivars were lower than those of the winter type NILs. In addition, while the young panicle development of the tillers in the spring type cultivars was found to be two weeks to one month later in the tillers than that in the main stem, young panicle development of the main stem and tillers in the winter type NILs were almost identical. Hence, winter type wheat bearing vrn-D1 which exhibit later panicle development than that bearing Vrn-D1b, was elucidated to might be more useful especially in areas with high risk of frost damage. Spring type wheat had a lower sink capacity and grain yield, meanwhile that was considered to prevent severe frost damage by allowing late-developed tillers to survive.

Exploring the Climate and Topography of Olive Orchards in Extremadura, Southwestern Spain

The olive tree is a significant woody crop in the Mediterranean basin, with the primary olive-growing areas located in the south and southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Climate plays a crucial role in crop distribution, viability, production, and yield. The climatic and topographical conditions of Extremadura in southwestern Spain, were analysed to characterise and group the olive-growing areas. To achieve this, a Geographic Information System (GIS) was developed to locate all registered olive tree plots. The orientations and elevations of these were analysed, along with the average, minimum, and maximum temperatures, precipitation, and frost for the period of 1990–2021. The study reveals that olive groves in Extremadura are primarily situated at elevations ranging from 200 to 600 m above sea level. Additionally, it was found that the least common orientation is towards the north. Temperatures are not a constraint for olive growing, except in the mountainous areas in the north of the region; however, rainfall can be a limiting factor. In fact, 50% of the olive-growing area receives less rainfall than is considered adequate for optimal production. Frost days and the low probability of severe frosts are not a problem for olive growing in this region, except in the highest parts of the region. The scale of this study, at plantation level, will enable the implementation of measures aimed at climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Study on the formation mechanism and preventive measure of pot cover effect for subgrade in seasonal frozen soil area under freeze–thaw cycles

AbstractThe presence of an impervious cover layer inhibits the free evaporation of moisture in the soil during seasonal freeze–thaw cycles, leading to a phenomenon known as the pot cover effect. This can result in severe frost heave issues in airport runways, highway subgrades, railway subgrades, and other similar infrastructure. In this study, a disease investigation was conducted at a gas transmission station situated in an area with seasonally frozen soil. Meanwhile, the causes of moisture accumulation and frost heave in the lower part of concrete pavement slabs were analyzed. A coupled water–vapor–heat model for unsaturated frozen soil is then established to analyze the formation mechanism of the pot cover effect in the subgrade. Finally, the preventive effect of the impervious layer on moisture migration in the pot cover effect was analyzed. The results indicate that the pot cover effect causes a significant accumulation of moisture beneath the concrete pavement at the gas transmission station, resulting in a moisture content increase of 5%–35%. During the freezing period, the vapor of shallow soil migrates upward, while the liquid water remains unchanged. During the melting period, both vapor and liquid water migrate downward. The laying of the impervious layer can prevent moisture migration of the pot cover effect. When the impervious layer is placed on the freezing front (0°C), the prevention effect of the pot cover effect is the best.

Constraints on habitat possibilities: overwintering of a micro snail species facing climate change consequences in a harsh environment

The aim of this study was to establish the overwintering strategy and cold tolerance in V. moulinsiana. We observed a seasonal change in the SCP measurements, indicating that the species' preparation for winter results in a decrease in the SCP. Along with the results obtained from the frost survival experiment, this suggests the presence of a freezing avoidance strategy in this species. It overwinters in a buffered zone, separated from harsh conditions by a layer of leaf litter and snow, which protects it from temperature fluctuations and severe frost. The results of our research may indicate a possible poor resistance of these snails to snow-free conditions. Therefore, climate change-induced alterations could profoundly impact this species, especially considering the predicted disappearance of snow before the frost.

Covering young avocado ‘Hass’ trees with high-density shading nets during the winter mitigates frost damage and improves tree performance

Key messageCovering young ‘Hass’ trees with Silver 60% shading nets during cold winters mitigates frost damage and improves tree performance, apparently through a mechanism other than increasing nighttime air temperature.Avocado is a commercially important subtropical evergreen fruit tree. Severe frost may damage foliage, floral buds, flowers and fruit, thereby reducing avocado crop yield and restricting its geographical distribution and expansion. Shading nets are frequently used to protect agricultural crops from climate-related damage. To determine their ability to mitigate frost damage, Silver 60% shading nets were deployed over young ‘Hass’ trees during two consecutive winters and uncovered trees served as controls. Freezing and chilling temperatures occurred in the experimental orchard during the winter of each year, from December to March, reaching − 2.49 ℃ in January 2022. In the control, 93% of the examined floral buds were severely damaged compared to 4% in the Silver 60% trees. Damage to young vegetative shoots was assessed at 4.35 out of 5 in the control compared to 0.5 out of 5 in the Silver 60% trees. In both years, minimum air temperatures under the Silver 60% shading nets were similar to those of the control. Leaf-level photosynthetic photon flux density was ~ 60% lower under the shading nets. In most measurements, CO2-assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and chlorophyll concentration in the leaves of the Silver 60% trees were higher than, or similar to the controls. Trunk diameter and flowering intensity of the Silver 60% trees were higher than for the control. These results indicate that covering young ‘Hass’ trees with Silver 60% shading nets during cold winters can mitigate frost damage and improve tree performance.

Формування мікроклімату в салонах автотранспортних засобів підігрівачами різної конструкції

The article is devoted to the substantiation of the rational technology of microclimate formation in the cabins of motor vehicles operated in the climatic zone of Ukraine, at low temperature indicators of the environment based on the use of heaters of various designs. The impact of high and low temperatures in the car interior on the condition of the driver and passengers was determined. It was determined that the optimal temperature values are +16...+26 °C and must be provided by a ventilation, heating and air conditioning system. Failure of these systems should preclude further operation of the vehicle. For heating, the thermal energy of the engine is used through the heated coolant passing through the heat exchanger. This design is simple and reliable, but the time it takes to warm up the interior depends on the ambient temperature and engine warm-up, especially in winter. The efficiency of autonomous heaters of various types (fuel-liquid, fuel-air, electric-air, electric-liquid built-in and electric-liquid wired) and their impact on the level of environmental pollution were evaluated. All types of autonomous heaters effectively perform their function of heating the coolant or air in the car interior. It is shown that compared to remote engine start systems, pre-start heaters are more appropriate for providing the necessary microclimate in winter. The use of fuel preheaters reduces the overall percentage of toxic emissions, especially in older vehicles. In addition to increasing comfort and reducing emissions, pre-heating the engine reduces its wear and tear and fuel consumption. The expediency of using autonomous heaters for motor vehicles is substantiated. For cars with internal combustion engines, this allows for a comfortable microclimate, and for electric cars - to increase the range by 25-50% in severe frosts. From a financial point of view, heaters are more economical compared to a standard heating system, although the initial cost of the devices is significant.

Diversity and seasonal dynamics analysis of the blood-sucking mosquitoes fauna (Diptera, Culicidae) of the Tavdinsky district of the Sverdlovsk region

This article provides data on the species diversity and seasonal dynamics of blood-sucking mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae), which are important vectors of various infectious and invasive diseases. As a result of the research conducted during several seasons from 2020 to 2022, it was revealed that 11 species of mosquitoes belonging to the genera Anopheles, Aedes and Culiseta live on the territory of the Tavdinsky district of the Sverdlovsk region. When comparing the number of culicids for all seasons, a correlation was revealed between hydrological, weather conditions and the intensity of insect summer. The optimal level of precipitation during the year provides enough breeding sites for mosquito larvae. The 2022 season was favorable for the development and summer of mosquitoes, in which heavy precipitation contributed to a vast area of reservoirs necessary for the development of insects. The smallest number was observed in 2021. As a result of low rainfall, severe frosts in winter, cold spring and arid, hot summer, there was a reduction in the number of mosquitoes. The results of the study allow a deeper understanding of the ecology of mosquitoes in this region, their activity in different seasons and their potential role in the transmission of infections. This work is important for the development of effective strategies for controlling mosquitoes and preventing diseases associated with their bites.

CERCETĂRI PRIVIND INFLUENȚA TĂIERILOR ASUPRA MUGURILOR DE ROD ȘI A PRODUCȚIEI DE FRUCTE LA CAIS

The apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is one of the most appreciated species of fruit trees in Romania, due to its high-quality fruits, which can be valued at a high price. In recent years we have been experiencing very low temperatures during spring time, with severe frosts and hoarfrosts that negatively influence the production of this species. The study was carried out at Research Station for Fruit Growing Constanța from 2018 to 2022 in a plot of apricots in the period of maximum fructification on three varieties with different fruit ripening periods - early, middle and late, in order to establish a connection between the times of application of pruning and the number of fruit buds differentiated on perennial and annual branches. In the apricot cultivars studied, the obtained results indicate that pruning at the beginning of the dormancy period (November) is beneficial within the years without climatic accidents, obtaining yields of 25 t/ha.

Climate-oriented breeding of spring barley in arid regions

The article presents the results of the study of collection samples of spring barley. The aim of the research was to assess the prospects of breeding lines of spring barley for the agro-industrial complex of regions with different climate aridity. The studies were carried in 2011-2021 out at the Krasnokutskaya breeding experimental station (experimental field coordinates 50.914000, 47.068300, Krasnokutsky district of the Saratov region). Predecessor - fallow, accounting area of plots - 25 sq.m. During the period of study of the material, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2018 were dry years (the total precipitation during the growing season was 42.8-50.3 mm, HTC 0.30-0.46). In 2019, spring barley crops almost died due to a severe frost in the three-leaf phase and the subsequent severe drought (only 4.9 mm of precipitation fell during the growing season, the HTC was 0.03), so data for this year are not provided. As relatively favorable, 2011, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2021 can be distinguished (the total precipitation for the growing season is 81.0-135 mm, HTC 0.61-0.97). During 2011-2021 indicators of productivity, plasticity, stability and drought resistance of spring barley varieties bred over a 100-year period at the Krasnokutsk breeding experimental station were evaluated. It was revealed that the average productivity of barley varieties increased by 57.9%, and in the years of acute droughts it almost doubled. Analysis by the same parameters of 5 promising lines in 2017-2021. made it possible to differentiate their potential for regions with different aridity. In the zone with low aridity (more than 7 million hectares of arable land in the Right Bank of the Saratov, Penza and Samara, Volgograd, Ulyanovsk regions), the Nutans 244 and Medicum 276 lines, which are responsive to additional moisture, have the greatest potential. In areas with moderate aridity (about 10 million hectares arable land in the Lower Volga region), samples Nutans 296 and Medicum 247 will have an advantage. In areas with high aridity (more than 6 million hectares of arable land in the Left Bank of the Saratov, Volgograd, Astrakhan regions, Kalmykia), the Medicum 270 line can show high efficiency. These features will be taken into account during further transfer to variety testing.

Projection of climate change impacts on extreme temperature and precipitation in Central Poland

Climate change is exacerbating the risk of the occurrence of extreme weather. This study has projected the change in mean and extreme climate conditions in Central Poland during near-future (2026–2050), mid-term (2051–2075), and far-future (2076–2100) periods under two climate-change scenarios in six General Circulation Models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). The results showed that, compared to the historical reference period (1990–2014), Central Poland will experience an increase in temperature and precipitation by the end of the twenty-first century. It is expected that the mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation totals will increase by 1–4.8 °C and 2–7.5%, respectively. Furthermore, it is projected that the average number of hot, very hot days and extremely hot days (Tmax > 25 °C, > 30 °C, and > 35 °C), tropical nights (Tmin > 20 °C), and extremely high daily precipitation (> 10 mm, > 20 mm and > 30 mm) will also increase, while the average number of slight frost days (Tmin < 0 °C), and frost and severe frost days (Tmax < 0 °C, Tmax < − 10 °C) will decline on average by the end of the twenty-first century. Therefore, it is essential for policymakers to take some appropriate measurements and strategies in advance to strengthen resilience to extreme climate events.

Frost suppression performance of an air source heat pump using sensible heat from indoor air to preheat outdoor air

Frost forms on the surfaces of air source heat pump (ASHP) outdoor heat exchangers under heating mode in winter, when the surface temperature of the heat exchanger is lower than both 0°C and the ambient dew point temperature. This can reduce the coefficient of performance (COP) and heating capacity of the ASHP unit. A novel ASHP was examined using two rooms with the same size, orientation, and structure. To test the frost suppression performance of the novel system, two ASHPs of the same size and specifications, but one including a sensible-heat preheating device, were placed in the test platform rooms. By comparing and analyzing field-measured parameters such as COP, heat loss, and frost weight of the two ASHP units, the frost suppression performance of the novel ASHP was evaluated in severe, moderate, and mild frost areas. The results show that when the air conditions were −3.9°C and 98.7% in the moderate frost area and 3.2°C and 96.7% in the severe frost area, the novel ASHP showed significantly improved performance. The frost formation time increased from 25 min to 38.5 min, frost-defrost heat loss decreased by 31.6%–43.7%, frost weight decreased 11.8%–17.4%, and COP increased 7.4%–13.1% compared with those of the conventional ASHP. In the low temperature and mild frost area, when the air temperature was −11.8°C and the relative humidity was 88.8%, the frost suppression effect of the novel ASHP was unapparent. Affected by the climate, the operation performance of ASHP will be different. Different ASHP can be used to adapt to the weather in different regions. The novel ASHP can significantly suppress frost and improve the heating performance of the unit in the mild climate and frost serious areas.

Air Frosts in Poland in the Thermal Growing Season (AT &gt; 5 °C)

Frosts cause damage to plants in field crops and also trees, thus contributing to heavy economic losses in agriculture. One of the consequences of climate warming is the lengthening of the thermal growing season (AT &gt; 5 °C) and acceleration of phenological phases as well as the lengthening of the frost-free period. This favourable element allows the extension of the range of cultivated plants to include plants requiring warmth and a longer development period. The present study concerns the area of Poland. The data on mean and minimum 24-h period air temperature (200 cm above ground level) were obtained from 52 meteorological stations of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management—National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB) for the period 1971–2020. A day with air frost was identified when the recorded minimum air temperature was below 0.0 °C and the mean 24-h period air temperature was above 0.0 °C. All calculations concerning frosts were limited to the period with mean 24-h period air temperature &gt;5 °C (the growing season) as determined with the Gumiński method. The obtained results show that in the thermal growing season (AT &gt; 5 °C) in Poland, no statistically significant change in the average number of days with air frosts in the period 1971–2020 was found. On average, in Poland, in the years 1971–2020, a lengthening of the thermal growing season by 6.2 days over 10 years was identified. Earlier disappearance of the latest air frosts in spring was identified as 2 to 3 days over 10 years, and the later occurrence of air frosts in autumn as 1 to 4 days over 10 years. The share of severe (−4.1°C ÷ −6.0 °C) and very severe (&lt;−6.0 °C) frosts in the total number of days with air frosts in Poland amounts to, on average, 5.8% in spring and 2.6% in autumn.

Changes in oribatid mite community structure along two altitudinal gradients in Asia and Europe as related to environmental factors

Changes in biodiversity patterns along environmental gradients are receiving increased interest in context of climate change. Altitudinal changes in the diversity of plants and above ground animals are well studied, whereas soil animals received little attention. Here, we analyzed the patterns of diversity, community structure and reproductive mode of soil-living oribatid mites along an altitudinal gradient at two mountain ranges in Eurasia (Changbai Mountain in China and the Alps in Europe) at similar latitudes and their potentially driving factors. We hypothesized that oribatid mite species richness, abundance and the frequency of parthenogenesis decrease with altitude, i.e. with abiotic conditions becoming more adverse. In addition, we hypothesized oribatid mite community composition to change with increasing altitude with the communities at high altitudes becoming more similar between the two mountain ranges. Moreover, we hypothesized that at the community level parthenogenetic reproduction is becoming less important at higher altitudes. Species abundance and richness on Changbai Mountain were generally lower than in the Alps. Abundance as well as species richness in the Alps decreased with altitude, whereas it did not change significantly on Changbai Mountain. Oribatid mite community composition differed between the two mountains, but remained more similar across altitudes on Changbai Mountain than in the Alps. The percentage of parthenogenetic individuals and species was higher on Changbai Mountain than in the Alps, but did not change with altitude at both mountains. Almost all species that overlapped between the two mountains reproduced via parthenogenesis. The observed differences were mainly due to larger temperature fluctuations and more severe frost on Changbai Mountain compared with the Alps. High frequency of parthenogenetic reproduction in species overlapping between the two mountains suggests that parthenogenetic taxa, typically characterized by generalistic genotypes, tend to have broader distribution ranges than sexual taxa.

ANALYSIS OF EXISTING METHODS OF EVALUATING THE TECHNICAL CONDITION OF TRANSPORT STRUCTURES UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The technical condition of transport facilities is a critical factor for ensuring the safety, efficiency and reliability of the transport infrastructure. Operating conditions can significantly affect the technical condition of buildings, especially in conditions characterized by high humidity, extreme temperatures or chemical pollution. This is especially true for structures that are exposed to natural factors such as sea water, aggressive environments or severe frosts. The article analyzes various methods of assessing the technical condition, which are used to detect defects and search for signs of damage to transport facilities. Traditional methods such as visual inspection and non-destructive evaluation are considered, as well as newer approaches including the use of remote sensing technologies, sensor monitoring and machine learning data analysis. The main purpose of the article is to identify the advantages and disadvantages of various assessment methods, as well as to determine the most effective approaches to assessing the technical condition of transport facilities in conditions that correspond to the specifics of the transport infrastructure. The obtained results can be useful for specialists in the field of transport engineering, who are engaged in the operation of transport infrastructure and road safety. Taking into account the technical condition of the facilities, it is possible to make informed decisions regarding repair work, planning regular maintenance and establishing preventive measures aimed at maintaining the safety and reliability of transport facilities.

Post-Spring Frost Canopy Recovery, Vine Balance, and Fruit Composition in cv. Barbera Grapevines

Background and Aims. In viticulture, one of the effects of warming trends is the advance of budburst date and the consequent increased risk of spring frost-related damage. In 2021, severe frost events affected a large fraction of European viticulture. In a cv. Barbera vineyard, located in NW Italy, primary bud shoots (PBS), secondary bud shoots (SBS), and suckers (SK) were tagged after the occurrence of freezing temperatures in spring. The goal of the study was to clarify if SBS could partially restore yield loss and analyze their contribution to fruit composition. Methods and Results. The number of developing SBS and SK correlated with the number of killed PBS. While PBS bore 1.44 inflorescences per shoot, SBS had much lower fertility (0.4), with SK at intermediate levels (0.85). The vine yield was 40% of the previous season, with SBS bunches contributing just 17% of the total. SBS produced smaller and looser bunches, as compared with PBS (−28% mass and −27% compactness). At harvest, no difference was found in grape total soluble solids (TSS) among different shoot types. However, the TSS average was notably higher than that observed in the previous season (27.8°Brix vs. 23.3°Brix in 2020). Interestingly, while in PBS and SK, a direct correlation (linear and quadratic, respectively) existed between the leaf area to yield ratio (LA/Y) and grape TSS or total anthocyanins, this did not occur for SBS. Conclusions. In the case of spring frost damage, the number of PBS avoiding fatal injuries will drive agronomic results at harvest since SBS contribution to total yield is modest due to low shoot fruitfulness. The frost-induced increase in vine LA/Y leads to a dramatic rise in grape TSS and phenolics. Significance of the Study. When spring frosts kill a significant number of primary shoots, an altered grape composition at harvest should be expected due to changes in vine balance. Therefore, the vineyard management should be adjusted accordingly early in the season. Further studies are needed to test specific post-frost canopy management strategies ensuring yield, optimal fruit composition, and cane renewal.