Thanks to Jeff Franklin from AAFC Kentville, we’re able to observe the graphs showing the evolution of the climate until Monday May 17. In this publication, it’s possible to see the degree days accumulation in the season 2021 and compare with the last seasons until the same the date.
The first table shows the temperature base 5⁰ C and base 10⁰ C from 2018 until 2021 accumulated each year from March 1 until May 17.
At the end of each section, it’s possible to see the average of the last 5 and
10 years respectively.
|
Category |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
5 year average |
10 year average |
|
Plant development
(Base 5ºC) |
198.9 |
159.3 |
118.8 |
226.6 |
174.0 |
188.6 |
|
Insect development
(Base 10º) |
79.4 |
44.8 |
24.1 |
76.3 |
57.7 |
67.2 |
Similar to the previous publication in April 27 (Season
2021: Weather update), 2021 looks one of the seasons with more accumulation
of heat units, especially according to base 5⁰ Celsius. Based on 10⁰
C, 2021 has 76.3 which is above the average temperature of the last 5 and 10
years with 57.7 and 67.2 respectively. The exception in this period is 2018, which was slightly higher with 79.4.
In the following
column graph, it’s possible to see the values from 2004 until 2021 and at the
end you can see the average of the last 5 and 10 years respectively.
Figure 2. Degree day accumulations as of May 17, 2021
base 10⁰ C.
All data are taken from the Kentville weather station, based on a start
date of March 1, and calculated using the single sine method.
This graph highlights the difference in the last 2 years and
shows some similarities with 2017 and 2018. Similar to our previous publication
in April 27, 2010 and 2012 presents even higher accumulation of heat units and
especially 2012. Important to mention that these extra heat units have accelerated
our bud burst compared with the previous season.
Respect to bud burst, the first varieties started the season
2021 at the end of last week on Friday May 14, such as Baco noir, Lucie Kuhlmann,
Frontenac and Geisenheim. This varies depending on the location.
Figure 4. Frontenac and Geisenheim
At the beginning of this week more varieties have shown
activity, such as Castel, Triomphe d'Alsace, Osceola and Seyval to give some
examples.
Figure 5. Triomphe
d'Alsace
Figure 6. Osceola
Meanwhile, Vitis vinifera varieties are coming quite
close as well, some examples are Chardonnay and Riesling.
Figure 7. Chardonnay
Finally, remember to keep track of the main phenological
stages of your vines in your area. These photos are from different places and the
precise bud burst date varies depending on each location.
Enjoy the nice weather!