CR 34:233-240 (2007)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00690

ABSTRACT: Growing degree days (GDD) were calculated for 40 meteorological stations distributed across Greece, on the basis of daily maximum and minimum air temperature (T_MAX and T_MIN, respectively) for the 10 year period from 1978 to 1987. Duration of growing periods (classified in 10 d intervals) differed among stations. The longest period was from April 1 to November 30, and the shortest from May 1 to September 30. Growing season varies across Greece from about 1600 GDD in the northern mountainous areas to >2900 GDD in the lowlands and the southernmost regions. Most spring-sown crops need no more than 1500 GDD to mature; consequently, there are no temperature limitations in Greece for crops such as corn, cotton and tobacco. Despite the sparse climatic network it was possible to create high resolution maps with statistically significant results (r = 0.83 to 0.89; p = 0.95), providing reliable information for agricultural planning.

KEY WORDS: Growing degree days · Agriculture · Regional maps · Greece