Markus Keller Visit: 5-7 August

Hello Dear Growers!!

I hope you  have had a good couple of weeks. I have a few important points this week- again in terms of guest arrivals, upcoming events and dates to note down. 

Vineyard Outlook:

The weather is co-operating; we have rain coming in at very opportune moments. Flowering and berry set was a dry period, and we are getting enough moisture where the vineyards are looking great. 

There are no reported drought issues this year- hopefully it stays this way, and we have another stellar vintage. The vines are disease free; but I must mention- please keep on top of your sprays. If you stretch your sprays or omit them, the humidity and warmth are prime conditions for downy and black rot development.

Downy Mildew:

Downy mildew is most prevalent during spring and early summer, peaking specifically in the critical window from 2 weeks before bloom to 3 weeks after bloom when wet, warm weather occurs. Infections can still happen after fruit set, as berries remain susceptible for 3 to 4 weeks post-fruit set before gaining natural resistance.

Black Rot:

Peak Susceptibility: Clusters are highly vulnerable to infection from mid-bloom until 4 to 5 weeks after fruit set. 

Weather Triggers: Spores thrive in warm, humid conditions. At optimum temperatures between 18°C and 26°C, the fungus needs only 6 to 7 hours of continuous leaf wetness to cause an infection.

Latent Nature: A berry can be infected during or right after bloom, but the visible symptoms (browning and turning into shrivelled "mummies") often do not appear until weeks later between bunch closure and veraison.

Depending on your variety, we are between peppercorn size and pea-sized berries.

By this time, one botrytis spray should already be done. The next one should be before berry touch/ bunch closure. So please keep an eye on your phenological stages.

Powdery Mildew:

Powdery mildew is most prevalent during mid-summer, peaking from immediate pre-bloom through fruit set and continuing through bunch closure. Unlike downy mildew and black rot, powdery mildew does not require rain; it thrives in high humidity and warm temperatures between 20°C and 27°C. 

It is a good idea to add a powdery mildew treatment as the longer stretches of dry humid weather are perfect conditions for its development.

Keep scouting!

We are receiving reports of Japanese Beetle and Grape Berry Moth (GBM). Rachel Rix and her team from AAFC are putting down traps to see what the counts are and where the moth is centralized at the moment.

I will begin sampling at the onset of veraison and will include this info in my upcoming posts. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARKUS KELLER VISIT 5-7 AUGUST.

Markus Keller Bio: 

Dr. Markus Keller is the Distinguished Professor of Viticulture at Washington State University and a globally recognized expert in grapevine physiology. His extensive research focuses on how environmental factors, climate change, and management practices impact vine growth and fruit quality. He is also the author of The Science of Grapevines, a definitive textbook widely used by researchers, students, and winemakers worldwide.

5 August: Edgemere Estate Visit 3-4pm

We will be visiting Edgemere estate from 3-4pm on the 5th. If you would like to join us for an hour long visit, please let me know. We are meeting at Edgemere Estate in Port Williams at 3pm.

6 August: 7:30am-6pm

We will be touring three wineries: Mumana Vineyards, District 33, and Elleslea Vineyard. We are carpooling between the sites and would love for you to join us!

You can choose whichever option fits your schedule best:

• The full day: Highly recommended so you do not miss anything.
• A single stop: Join us at whichever location is most convenient for you.

We will spend about 1.5 hours at each site to allow time for in-depth discussions and shared learning.

Email or text me if you would like to carpool. We have space. 

7 August:        GGANS SUMMER TOUR

Join us!  take the opportunity to connect with fellow growers and vineyard managers, learn from each other in-field and take in a great lecture. 

Sign up on the GGANS website. 

Vinitech & Bordeaux Learning Opportunity

With August fast approaching, please review the GGANS website or contact Vanessa and me directly with any Vinitech-related questions.

Please keep the following important details in mind as you prepare:

• Book early: Reserve your flights and hotels soon, as spaces for this international delegation are filling up fast.
• Funding: Speak with Vanessa regarding available funding opportunities for the trip.
• Free access: The GGANS website has the discount code prominently displayed. Register on the Vinitech website- link available on GGANS website: 
• The discount code provides a complimentary ticket to the 3-day expo and all associated bus tours.
• Logistics: Full instructions regarding meeting points will be provided immediately upon registration.
• GGANS has a list of recommended hotels. if you wish to book outside that list, ensure that your stay is near TRAM LINE C. It is the most direct route to the Expo or Train Station. (Both are meeting points for visits and tours).
• Important: Only ONE registration can be done per business email. If there are two people registering from the same company, please use your own email to do it.
• Only ONE person from the company can do a specific tour. Two people from the same company CANNOT do the same tour at the same time. You or your companion will have to select a different tour. 
• All this will become clear as you register.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call or email me.

Thank you for your time this week. it is a lot to take in, so again, if you have any questions, do reach out.

This has turned out to be a busy and exciting summer. I hope you take advantage of the opportunities.

See you in the field!!

Cheers!

Katarina

Katarina Vucic P.Ag; MSc; DipWSET

Viticulture Specialist
Perennia Food and Agriculture
Email kvucic@perennia.ca
Office 902-678-7722

Cell 902-599-1390

Vinitech Sifel Expo: 28 November- 3 December 2026- Trip to Bordeaux

 Hello Dear Growers and Happy Summer!

We have had quite a busy and productive couple of weeks, so there will be quite a bit to speak about in this week's blog update.

GRAPE BERRY MOTH SIGHTINGS

We have received reports of Grape Berry Moth sightings in our vineyards. Here is a short description and a life cycle graphic so that if you do see the larvae or moth you can report it- either to me of Rachel Rix of the AAFC.

Larvae feed directly on developing grape flowers and berries, damaging clusters and reducing both fruit quality and yield. Feeding injury also creates entry points for disease-causing organisms, increasing the risk of bunch rot and other fruit rots (Duso et al., 2022; Thiéry et al., 2018).

The insect survives the winter as a pupa enclosed in a silken cocoon, typically sheltered beneath fallen leaves and other debris on the vineyard floor (Goldammer, 2018). Adult moths are small, measuring about 6–7 mm (0.25 in.) in length, with mottled brown forewings that have bluish-gray colouring toward the inner portion. The larval stage is responsible for crop damage. Fully developed larvae are green to purplish-green caterpillars approximately 1 cm (0.37 in.) long and feed on grape flowers early in the season before moving on to developing berries.

I will be out this week scouting and checking in on phenology, so please, if you have any concerns, or would like a personal visit, email or call me.

VINITECH EXPO - Trip to Bordeaux- Information

As many of you know, we recently welcomed French agricultural economist Stephane Badet to Nova Scotia. During his visit, he had the opportunity to meet with growers from across the province and experience our wine region and wine firsthand. We also held two well-attended field days, where we explored a range of timely and important topics. Thank you to everyone who participated, contributed to the discussions, and helped host our visiting group.

We all know, but sometimes need to be reminded, that our cool-climate region isn't just keeping pace with global wine trends—we're helping define them. With our exceptional terroir, expertise, innovative spirit, and passionate industry, Nova Scotia has all the ingredients to become a global benchmark for cool-climate viticulture and world-class wines.

To that end, we are going to Bordeaux late this November-early December. 

We have an opportunity to bring a delegation of NS growers and winery representatives to Vinitech Sifel where we will learn about new technology, practices, co-operative models, industry innovation and even have an opportunity to exhibit NS wine at Vinitech.

Please refer to Vinitech Sifel 2026 – Grape Growers Association of Nova Scotia for more information and registration details. Registration for the expo begins on the 10th July. 

Please Note: this is VERY IMPORTANT: the systems allows individual registrations only : 1 email address = 1 registration. That means that one person cannot register for several people using the same email address.

Email GGANS for ALL details. 

Thank you all for your time this week. If you attended the field sessions on the 16th and 18th June, please use the link following and take the survey. I value your input and it gives me direction as to how to structure future events and topics to cover: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9DGJX9Z

If you have any questions, need any further information about the Vintech trip, or would like a visit to vineyard your site, please reach out.

I look forward to seeing you in the field this summer.

Cheers!!

Katarina

Katarina Vucic P.Ag; MSc; DipWSET

Viticulture Specialist
Perennia Food and Agriculture
Email kvucic@perennia.ca
Office 902-678-7722

Cell 902-599-1390

 

www.perennia.ca

 

Join Us on June 16 & 18! – Registration Now Open

 Hello Dear Growers!

Next week is fast approaching and so are our field days!

If you are near Malagash on Tuesday, come and see us at Jost Vineyards. We will be talking vineyard practices- everything from soil health and cover cropping to disease management and shoot thinning! It is almost that time of year already. The field practice session will be followed by a cellar tour.  

      Please see the flyer below, and register using this link: 

https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/vineyard-readiness-soil-cover-crops-seasonal-strategy/edate/2026-06-16/

On June 18, we will return to the Annapolis Valley and gather at 925 Bains Road in Sheffield Mills. 

As many of you know, Stephane Badet will be joining us to lead a discussion on industry resilience, diversification, co-operative models, and how we can leverage Nova Scotia's unique terroir to support the long-term success of our grape and wine industry.

Speaking of terroir, we know that everything begins in the vineyard. Following the discussion, Steve Ells will host a vineyard tour and share insights into the vineyard practices that help maximize fruit quality and express site characteristics. From canopy management to crop balance and pest management, Steve will demonstrate how decisions made in the vineyard ultimately influence the quality and character of the wines produced.

Bring yourselves, colleagues and let's have an eventful day.

Please register for the event here: https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/rooted-in-terroir-identity-collaboration-growth-in-nova-scotia-wine-sector/edate/2026-06-18/

Lastly, looking at the weather forecast for the next few days, please make sure you keep your spray schedules tight, keep scouting and ensure that you are proactively protecting your vineyards. 

Rachel Rix from AAFC has asked to keep an eye out if anyone has issues with flea beetles. If you do, please email me. As you can see by the photo below, flea beetles are small, jumping beetles that are typically black or dark blue. They are much smaller than Japanese beetles and are known for their ability to jump when disturbed. Grape flea beetles do attack grape leaves, though the most significant damage is usually caused by adults feeding on buds in early spring while larvae can also chew on leaves and clusters, creating a characteristic "shot-hole" appearance.

 So please do be on the lookout and report it to us. Thank you.

Not wanting to end on a sour note- thank you all again for your attention, and I look forward to seeing you in the field next week. Don't forget to sign up for the events!

Cheers!

Katarina

Katarina Vucic P.Ag; MSc; DipWSET

Viticulture Specialist
Perennia Food and Agriculture
Email kvucic@perennia.ca
Office 902-678-7722

Cell 902-599-1390

 

www.perennia.ca

Upcoming Evets and Vineyard Observations

Hello Dear Growers and Happy Wednesday!

I hope you have all gad a good start to the week. 

The first spray should already be down. Most have also either seeded their cover crops or will do shortly. 

The weather this weeks looks promising, so the little lag of unseasonably cool weather is hopefully on its way out. 

We had several growers around the province send in photos over the last couple of weeks; the start of the season is looking good so far. If you are noticing any pests/ diseases in your vineyards, please send in photos and tell us what you notice. I have already observed Erineum Mite activity at a few vineyard sites this season. Kumulus and Purespray Green are both effective management options. When using sulphur products such as Kumulus, please note that certain hybrid varieties may be sensitive and could exhibit phytotoxicity. Be sure to consider varietal susceptibility before application.

Upcoming Events

Vineyard Readiness: Soil, Cover Crops & Seasonal Strategy 

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Event Details

June 16, 2026
10:30AM – 2:00PM 
Jost Vineyards, 48 Vintage Lane, Malagash

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Session Description

Join us for a hands-on vineyard learning day where growers will have the opportunity to compare vineyard practices, discuss seasonal management strategies and learn directly in the field. We’ll discuss cover crop benefits and challenges in vineyard systems, soil health and vineyard floor management, early-season pest and disease management strategies, canopy management approaches for cool climate vineyards, and compare practices across different vineyard sites and conditions.

This event is designed to encourage practical discussion, peer learning and knowledge sharing among growers in the region. Walk the vineyard, ask questions and gain insight into management decisions being made throughout the growing season. Join us in the vineyard and take part in the conversation!

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Guest Speakers

• Yvonne Schoening and Sven VonKintzel, Managers of Jost Vineyards 
• Gina Haverstock, Winemaker at Jost Vineyards and Winery 
• Stephane Badet, Agriculture Economist from Bordeaux, France

Sign up here: https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/vineyard-readiness-soil-cover-crops-seasonal-strategy/edate/2026-06-16/

Rooted in Terroir:

We’re bringing together grape growers, wineries and industry partners on this special industry field day. 

Sign up here: https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/rooted-in-terroir-identity-collaboration-growth-in-nova-scotia-wine-sector/edate/2026-06-18/

If you have any questions regarding the events, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you all for your time this week. Looking forward to seeing you in the field this vintage.

Cheers!

Katarina

Bud Break is Here! Event and Lab Services Information

 Hello Dear Growers, and Happy Long Weekend! 

This week has been focused on planning several upcoming summer events, and I am pleased to share that the week of June 15–19 will feature a series of vineyard visits and learning opportunities across Nova Scotia.

As mentioned during the GGANS AGM, we will be welcoming Stephane Badet, an Agriculture Economist from Bordeaux, for a week of industry discussions and site visits focused on cool climate viticulture, sustainability, and regional development. Throughout the week, we will explore topics including:

• Canopy Management
• Disease Management
• Cover Cropping
• Sustainability
• Diversification

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

JOST Field Day

• Vineyard and cellar visit at Jost Vineyards
• Visit to Fox Harb'r Resort Vineyards

Discussion themes will include cover cropping, canopy management, and pest and disease management.

Participants are welcome to remain on-site for lunch at the Jost Café following the field day.

Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ellslea Vineyard Field Day

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Discussion led by Stephane Badet on viticultural diversification, co-operation, and resilience within the wine sector.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Steve Ells will host a vineyard tour and discuss vineyard management practices at Ellslea Vineyard.

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Nova Scotia: “The Cool” in Cool Climate Terroir presentation and discussion.

Registration pages for both events will be available shortly. I wanted to share these opportunities in advance and hope you will be able to join us for one or both events.

Warmer weather is officially here!

This weekend, we are expecting temperatures in the low 20s. I visited several sites last week and captured Osceola at budbreak. 

Lab Services:

Perennia Now Offering Analytical Testing

Effective May 1, 2026, Perennia is fully operating the former Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) Analytical Lab at the Harlow Institute Building, 176 College Road in Truro.

 

In addition to mineral and bacteria water testing, we are conducting the same tests as previously offered:

Soil analysis for lawn, garden and field samples

Soil amendment analysis

Greenhouse soil, nutrients and water + field, milk house water, etc.

Feed analysis

Digest samples

Plant tissue analysis

We are also continuing to offer the 50 per cent discount on the same tests as when the lab was operated by NSDA for farmers with a current farm registration number. Our service fees also haven’t been changed and the overview PDF is available at https://www.perennia.ca/analytical-lab

 

For drinking water samples, Perennia is referring and transporting these daily Monday to Thursday to an accredited lab in the HRM. NSDA’s ISO accreditation for this testing was not transferrable to Perennia. Thus, we are doing all the extensive paperwork required for a new ISO accreditation for Perennia and anticipate taking drinking water samples after a successful audit this summer. We will keep everyone updated. For now, water samples for these tests can only be accepted at the Harlow Building in Truro.

 

All other samples can continue to be dropped off at:

NSDA Digby, Antigonish and Kentville offices (Kentville will be phased out as a drop off location in the coming weeks)

Nova Scotia Department for Natural Resources and Renewables Strathlorne Nursery in Inverness

Harlow Building in Truro

Perennia office in Kentville (28 Aberdeen Street – drop off will be at the entrance at the back of the building facing the side of the Independent grocery store. Parking is available – feel free to park in the space directly in front of the door for quick drop off.)

Soil collection supplies can also be obtained at these locations along with submission forms and resources.

 

All drop-off dates and times, locations, submission forms, how-to resource forms and interpretation guides, payment methods and fee listing are all available at  www.perennia.ca/labservices where you can also order tests from our Plant Health Lab.

 

For more information or questions please contact labs@perennia.ca

Thank you all for your time this week. I hope you have a lovely long weekend, and enjoy the sunshine!

Cheers!

Katarina

Upcoming Events and Refreshers

 Hello Dear Growers!

I hope you have had a good start to the week.

There are several points to emphasize this week, but first, I would like to thank Bruce and Steve for sharing their knowledge at our webinar titled: Shared Pressures, Different Approaches: Vineyard Pest and Disease Management Round-Table Discussion.

The permanent link will be available as soon as I receive it from our Marketing team. For now, I would appreciate it if the viewers to attended last week's session would use this QR code and answer the short survey on the quality of the information presented.

As spring quickly approaches, I would also like to link here a little refresher on Early Season Pest Management: Early Season Vineyard Pest Management - YouTube

This is the webinar Kevin Ker presented a short while ago on the products to use and their efficacy on various pests and diseases. In his presentation, Kevin also comments on the timing on those sprays. This is a great review prior to our first application this spring. 

As I mentioned at the GGANS AGM, we will be hosting a guest this June- agriculture economist- Stephane Badet. I am currently finalizing his agenda, and will post here several public learning sessions I would encourage you to attend. He will be visiting us from the 15th to 22 June.

Lastly, our team has been hard at work organizing the Atlantic Agronomy and Extension Conference scheduled for 15-16 July 2026. Please see the graphic here and register on the link below.

Atlantic Agronomy & Extension Conference – Perennia

If you have any questions, please contact our team.

Lastly, in preparation for the season ahead, I have been finalizing the pesticide efficacy table for our Pest Management Guide. It will be posted shortly to assist in your product selections and control of various pests.

Thank you all for your time this week, and I look forward to seeing you in the field soon.

Cheers!

Katarina.

Katarina Vucic P.Ag; MSc; DipWSET

Viticulture Specialist
Perennia Food and Agriculture
Email kvucic@perennia.ca
Office 902-678-7722

Cell 902-599-1390

 

www.perennia.ca