1 . Farmers in Italy’s famous Tuscany area are struggling to save grape and olive crops influenced by a heatwave and dry conditions. A lack of (缺乏) rainfall since spring has even influenced plants that traditionally grow well in hot and dry weather.
In San Casciano in Val di Pesa, near Florence, olive trees line the hillsides. But farmers say the dry soil is preventing the trees from producing the usual production of fruit.
Tuscany is famous around the world for its olive oil and wine from grapes. But growers in the area say dry, hot weather always has a great influence on the crops and harms (损害) production. But this year’s heat and lack of water happened during an important time, when the flowers were changing to fruit. Without water, many flowers fall to the ground before they can produce fruit. This year’s oil production could be cut by up to 60 percent.
Olive growers have decided to change some of their farming methods. They have used a new watering method to make up for the lack of rainfall and hot temperatures. The method works with a pipe placed under the trees to drop water little by little.
The influences of weather change have harmed production and plants, but they have also created new areas in Italy where crops can be grown. A few years ago, olive farms were mainly found in hot and dry areas such as Sicily. Now, areas such as Val d’Aosta in the far north of Italy — which is famous for its snow sport holiday places and mountains — can produce their own oil.
Climate change is also influencing wine crops in Tuscany. In Chianti, for example, September is normally the month for the yearly grape harvest (收获). But with continued high temperatures, many grapes are ripening(成熟) earlier than expected. Apart from the drop in grapes caused by the current heatwave, wine growers also have to deal with other serious weather events. An ice storm recently harmed 40 percent of grapes in the area.
1. What was the reason for the drop in oil production this year?| A．The dry weather lasted a longer time. |
| B．The fruit dropped to the ground before harvest. |
| C．The dry weather happened in a special period. |
| D．It was uncommon for the crops to experience dry weather. |
| A．It increases the planting areas of crops. |
| B．It encourages better farming methods. |
| C．It improves the taste of crops. |
| D．It attracts more tourists to the area. |
| A．The influences of poor grapes on red wine. |
| B．The harm brought by an ice storm to grapes. |
| C．The production of grapes dropped because of dry weather. |
| D．The influences of bad weather on grapes. |
| A．Farmers in Italy Are Expecting Some Rain |
| B．Dry Weather Influences Italy’s Famous Grape & Olive Crops |
| C．More Areas in Italy Are Fit for Crops Because of Warming Climate |
| D．New Ways Are Introduced to Fight Against Dry Weather |
