Pre-Bloom- A Crucial Time for Disease Management

 Happy Friday Dear Growers!

I hope you have all had a good week. I'll dive right into upcoming events, followed by the phenology report and scouting and pest management reminders.

In less than a month from now, Dr. Kevin Ker will be here for a masterclass in Canopy Management. Please see the flyer below. The sessions are IDENTICAL, held in two different locations. Please attend the session closest to you. Note the addresses on the flyer below and sign up using the link below:

https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/sunlight-shoots-sugar-mastering-canopy-management-for-top-quality-wine-grape-production/

The second July event is a collaboration with Cavendish, Scotian Gold, and Blomidon Winery, focused on showcasing drone and soil mapping technologies. We'll demonstrate a range of precision agriculture tools, discuss the data they generate, their practical applications, pricing, and cost-effective acquisition options. Vendors will also be available on-site to answer any questions. The Tech session is open to all growers-regardless of commodity.

Please see the flyer here and register using the link below:

Smart Farming in Action: Using Precision Ag and Drone Technology for Site-Specific Field Management – Perennia

Early Season Canopy and Disease Management: It's the time of year for shoot thinning, tucking and soon enough- cluster thinning.

During the prebloom period, shoot growth alone is insufficient. In most trellis, training, and pruning systems, shoots must also be deliberately spaced and positioned to optimize light interception by the leaf surface, enhance air circulation and light penetration within the fruiting zone. 

Improved airflow through the canopy helps:

-Reduce humidity levels around clusters.

-Lowers the risk of fungal diseases like black rot, botrytis, and downy mildew. 

-Allow for better air movement also speeds up drying after rain or dew, minimizing conditions favorable to disease development.

-Supports more uniform spray coverage and penetration, making disease control treatments more effective. 

For further information, please see the latest fact sheet published on the "Grapes" page of the Perennia website: 

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.perennia.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Grapevine-Canopy-Management-Shoot-ThinningV4.pdf

Phenology Report:

What a huge change from one week to the next! Last week, I saw no inflorescence, and this week, each variety's shoots have doubled in size and inflorescences immerged. 

All the varieties are at the pre-flowering stage. This is Osceola Muscat from Wednesday afternoon:

Figure 1. The florets on inflorescence have separated. 

The pre-bloom stage indicates the beginning of the critical stage where pest management is crucial. 

The period of time from immediate pre-bloom to 5-weeks post-bloom is when disease pathogens can cause significant damage. Do make sure you are protected against Downy Mildew, Phomopsis and Black Rot. 

As always, do keep an eye out for the beginnings of flowering and note them down for your sites and varieties. 

Thank you all for your time this week, and I hope you all have a good weekend.

I look forward to seeing you at both in-person 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