Hello Readers!
I hope you
enjoyed the Apple Blossom festivities. It was my first one, and it was a lovely
way to welcome springtime. A big congratulations goes out to GGANS for being awarded
2nd place for their float creativity!
I was told
that it invariably rains each year, and as predicted, rain did make an
appearance. I am sure however, that our growers welcomed the precipitation. As
you are probably already aware, it has been a much drier season than the historical
average.
Going
forward, I will be providing weekly precipitation and GDD updates. The tables
are included at the bottom of this post for your reference.
What
are we seeing on site currently in terms of growth stage?
· 5-7 leaves separated for Pinot Noir,
Chardonnay.
· 6-8 leaves separated for L’Acadie,
Frontenac, NY Muscat.
· 8-9 leaves for Marquette.
*Please remember
that these observations are site dependent.
Are we
behind or ahead?
Most growers are at the tail end of tying
down if not already finished, and looking at following up with a spray within
this week or the next- weather dependent.
Pests
and Disease:
Some growers-
depending on the variety are seeing signs of Phylloxera and Erineum mite. While
out for my growth stage observations, I have come across Erineum Mite in
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir myself.
Crown Gall,
as most of you are familiar, is an ongoing concern as is Downy Mildew which overwintered
from last year.
Sprays:
Be sure to spray
and achieve good coverage in every row in the early part of the season. As the
vine continues to grow, new growth will not be covered, so make sure to watch
the weather and respond accordingly.
Upcoming
Visits:
With Lisa
and Kevin, we visited the Malagash area two weeks ago, and will be making our
way to the Bear River area mid June. Thank you all very much for your emails
and communications; I may take a few days to respond but rest assured that my
goal is to meet you in person over the next couple of months.
Events:
Through the
OFCAF initiative, we will be hosting a Cover Crop information session on Wednesday,
July 24th.
We have
several speakers lined up to speak to the subject from varying perspectives:
Organics,
Conventional, Cover Cropping through the eyes of a specialist, and cover crops
in annual systems. The discussion will
be followed by a networking session. I understand that for some of our growers,
this may be quite a long drive, so we will be live streaming the session for
everyone’s participation.
I will be
announcing the speakers closer to the date of the event. We can all meet and
chat in person.
Date: Wednesday,
July 24th.
Time:
5-7:30pm.
Venue:
Benjamin Bridge Estate Winery.
Thank you
all again for your time this week, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Please be
sure to check out the weather and GDD updates below.
Cheers!
Katarina
|
Growing degree days, base of 10 °C
starting on April 1 |
|
|
Current Year |
10-Year Average |
|
113.5 |
86.9 |
Table 1: Monthly Precipitation. Table 2:
GDD.
*Up to June 3,
2024
* Growing degree days,
calculated using the average method, and Sine degree days up to June 3. All data
are taken from the Environment and Climate Change Canada weather station
located at the Kentville Research and Development Centre.