In this publication Jeff Franklin is sharing with us the main observations at the beginning of the season until June 6 in terms of temperature and precipitation. All this information is coming from Kentville Research Development Centre (KRDC), therefore, difference between locations are possible to be found. Moreover, it’s important to highlight that this update doesn’t include Monday June 7, which will appear in next week’s update.
The first table shows the temperature base 5⁰ C and base 10⁰ C from 2018 until 2021 accumulated each year from March 1 until June 6.
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) |
337.4 |
277.5 |
313.6 |
413.6 |
331.9 |
356.9 |
|
Insect development
(Base 10º) |
145.2 |
86.7 |
137.8 |
181.7 |
135.0 |
152.6 |
Figure 1. Degree day accumulations as of June 6,
2021. 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 is the similar trend observed in the last publications (all of them are available in the blog), the degree accumulation shows a high increase compared to the last 3 growing seasons. Based on 10⁰ C, 2021 has 181.7 which is above the average temperature of the last 5 and 10 years with 135.0 and 152.6 respectively. Even though 2018 was very close, this week we can see some difference between 2018 and 2021, with 145.2 for 2018. As it was written last week, in these conditions plants can develop faster, therefore it’s important to be scouting the vineyard locations to prioritize canopy activities (such as shoot thinning and tucking), spray applications (Powdery Mildew and Downy Mildew) and weed management.
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 June 6, 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 differences between 2021 with 2017. According to this graph and
continuing with the same trend as previously, 2010 and especially 2012 presented
even higher accumulation of heat units. The higher accumulation of heat units this
season has accelerated the vines growth and it’s possible to start tucking in
some early varieties.
In the last graph we can observe the cumulative
precipitation in millimetres (mm) from January 1, 2021 until June 6, 2021. The
black line shows the average of the last 10 years and in red line appears this
season.
Figure 3. Precipitation in millimetres (mm) as of
June 6, 2021. All data are taken from the Kentville weather station,
based on a start date of January 1.
Interesting to highlight that the beginning of the season, 2021
was below the 10 years average and just the second half of May the
precipitations increased. Currently the values are more similar to the historical
data, which combined the warm temperatures has helped the grapevine development
in the last couple of weeks.
Figure 4. Chardonnay with approximately 8 leaves (E-L 15) this week.