Integrated Management Practices for the Recovery Process in Fruit Trees and Grapevines Exposed to Late Spring Frosts: A Review

Late spring frosts cause significant physiological disruptions and substantial yield losses in fruit trees and grapevines cultivated in temperate climates. This review delves into the complex mechanisms of frost injury, including ice crystal formation, membrane instability, dehydration and oxidative stress, which lead to irreversible cellular and tissue damage. The threat is exacerbated by accelerated climate change, which shifts spring phenology earlier and increases the frequency and intensity of frost events. This article provides a comprehensive review of integrated management strategies designed to minimize damage and promote recovery in frost-affected orchards and vineyards. The review systematically examines various methods, including systematic damage assessment, post-frost pruning timing and techniques, water and nutrient management and the use of biostimulants. The paper also discusses proactive measures to prevent secondary stress factors and outlines physiological and structural strategies to ensure long-term productivity. The synthesis of existing literature demonstrates that a combination of integrated management strategies is crucial for accelerating the recovery process of frost-affected plants. The review concludes that the timely and accurate assessment of damage, coupled with strategic cultural practices such as post-frost pruning and careful management of water and nutrients, is essential for mitigating yield losses and maintaining long-term productivity and economic viability.