In the last couple of weeks, the grape clusters have been changing slowly from dark green color to more yellowish or reddish, to be turning their final color. This process is known as veraison, the grapes start the synthesis of color, plus the accumulation of sugar and degradation of acids. Also, once the grapes reach veraison, it’s a good time for tissue sampling for nutritional purposes.
NSDA would like to make sure producers are aware of the Nova Scotia Sonic Device Policy. This policy was developed by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture to provide recommendations on best practices for the use of sonic devices on farms for the purpose of protecting crops, while minimizing their impact on neighbours and the public. Sonic Devices are tools used to minimize wildlife predation on crops by emitting a loud audible noise that frightens wildlife away from the crop. This policy applies to all farms utilizing sonic devices on land in Nova Scotia for the protection of crops.
Jeff Franklin is sharing this week the main observations of the season in terms of temperature and precipitation until August 11. Always good to remember, this information is coming from Kentville Research Development Centre (KRDC), therefore, some differences between locations are possible to be found.
On Thursday August 5, we had the fourth session of the season and the recording is now available.
By Dr. Debra Moreau and Jessica MacDonald, AAFC
debra.moreau@agr.gc.ca or 902-402-5397 July 21
As part of the Canadian Grape and Wine Cluster, we are
researching the distribution and impact of emergent and invasive insect pest
species in the context of viticultural expansion in Nova Scotia.
I am particularly interested in determining the presence of Grape Berry Moth and the spread in distribution of Japanese beetle. If you notice damage (descriptions of what to look for are provided below) and/or see either of these insects, please feel free to contact me. I will make every effort to visit your vineyard to collect any samples that you may have set aside. Please feel free to send me your photos of vineyard pests and insects of interest, just stick your thumb or some other known object in the frame so that I have a sense of scale.