Hop cultivation vs. weather – an eternal theme

Climate-resilient hop varieties, particularly Agnus, demonstrate superior adaptability to extreme weather conditions, offering a promising strategy for sustainable hop cultivation amid ongoing climate change. The study analyzed yields and alpha acid content of four Czech hop varieties (Saaz, Sládek, Premiant, and Agnus) over four vintages (2019–2022), contrasting the wet 2021 vintage with the dry and hot 2022 vintage in Žatec. Results revealed that younger plants of Saaz, Sládek, and Premiant varieties produced significantly higher alpha acids compared to older growths, while Agnus showed no age-related variation. Additionally, Agnus outperformed other varieties under adverse weather conditions, withstanding both downy mildew outbreaks in 2021 and severe drought in 2022 despite irrigation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of selecting climate-resistant varieties, regular plant renewal, strategic regionalization, and efficient irrigation to mitigate economic losses from extreme weather events.

Krofta, K., & Pokorný, J. (2023). Hop cultivation vs. weather – an eternal theme. Kvasny Prumysl, 69(6), 822–830. https://doi.org/10.18832/kp2023.69.822