03:20Panagiotis Korkontzilas, an agronomist specialising in grape vines, has issued a warning over elevated temperatures in Thessaloniki which are adversely affecting harvests in the region's vineyards and risking lasting damage to the vines themselves.
Footage captured on Monday shows one particular vineyard with damaged and dried grape leaves and clusters.
"Late August they should be in this condition, green and vigorous. Temperatures are too high for the plant to work and photosynthesize normally, gather nutrients and begin its cycle for the next year," explained Korkontzilas.
He noted that due to the challenging conditions, efforts were being made to adapt horticulture practices with leaves shielded and plants given extra protection to mitigate a potentially disastrous impact on the grapes.
"If they had been exposed, the consequences could have been devastating for the grapes and for the quality," he added.
In Greece, climate change has become a major concern within the food industry, and the subject of increasing debate among producers. According to experts, climate change is having a lasting impact on soil quality, slope orientation and viable grape varieties.
Earlier the Greek authorities issued a high-alert warning for potential wildfires up to August 26.
The government has reportedly advised citizens to be extremely cautious and refrain from activities that might ignite fires, as the intensifying heat increases the danger of wildfires.
Grapes of Wrath - Greek soil expert warns heatwaves could 'devastate' vineyards as growers adapt to changing climate
Panagiotis Korkontzilas, an agronomist specialising in grape vines, has issued a warning over elevated temperatures in Thessaloniki which are adversely affecting harvests in the region's vineyards and risking lasting damage to the vines themselves.
Footage captured on Monday shows one particular vineyard with damaged and dried grape leaves and clusters.
"Late August they should be in this condition, green and vigorous. Temperatures are too high for the plant to work and photosynthesize normally, gather nutrients and begin its cycle for the next year," explained Korkontzilas.
He noted that due to the challenging conditions, efforts were being made to adapt horticulture practices with leaves shielded and plants given extra protection to mitigate a potentially disastrous impact on the grapes.
"If they had been exposed, the consequences could have been devastating for the grapes and for the quality," he added.
In Greece, climate change has become a major concern within the food industry, and the subject of increasing debate among producers. According to experts, climate change is having a lasting impact on soil quality, slope orientation and viable grape varieties.
Earlier the Greek authorities issued a high-alert warning for potential wildfires up to August 26.
The government has reportedly advised citizens to be extremely cautious and refrain from activities that might ignite fires, as the intensifying heat increases the danger of wildfires.
Panagiotis Korkontzilas, an agronomist specialising in grape vines, has issued a warning over elevated temperatures in Thessaloniki which are adversely affecting harvests in the region's vineyards and risking lasting damage to the vines themselves.
Footage captured on Monday shows one particular vineyard with damaged and dried grape leaves and clusters.
"Late August they should be in this condition, green and vigorous. Temperatures are too high for the plant to work and photosynthesize normally, gather nutrients and begin its cycle for the next year," explained Korkontzilas.
He noted that due to the challenging conditions, efforts were being made to adapt horticulture practices with leaves shielded and plants given extra protection to mitigate a potentially disastrous impact on the grapes.
"If they had been exposed, the consequences could have been devastating for the grapes and for the quality," he added.
In Greece, climate change has become a major concern within the food industry, and the subject of increasing debate among producers. According to experts, climate change is having a lasting impact on soil quality, slope orientation and viable grape varieties.
Earlier the Greek authorities issued a high-alert warning for potential wildfires up to August 26.
The government has reportedly advised citizens to be extremely cautious and refrain from activities that might ignite fires, as the intensifying heat increases the danger of wildfires.