Hello Dear Growers!
I'll jump right in today.
Phenology:
We are well into fruit set for all Hybrids.
In terms of vinifera: The Pinot family (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier) are about 85%-95% through flowering and into fruit set. Cabernet Franc is still at the flowering stage.
Chardonnay. 9 July 2025 Pinot Noir. 9 July 2025 (berry set)
(end of flowering to berry set)
Rainfall:
We have had quite a rainy start to July. From the data below, we can see that it was quite localized.
25-Year Historical Data from the Kentville Research Centre:
|
Month |
25-Year
Average (mm) |
Current
Year (mm) |
|
April |
81.9 |
93.7 |
|
May |
74.0 |
88.6 |
|
June |
98.7 |
50.5 |
|
July |
85.9 |
20.4** |
|
August |
91.1 |
|
|
September |
98.8 |
|
|
October |
115.8 |
|
**Up
to July 10, 2025
*Perennia's weather stations for the last week:
Wolfville: 52.8mm within the last week
Gaspereau: 30.8mm within the last week.
While it is useful to look at historical data for comparison, we should also be thinking about our weekly precipitation and what that means for spray rainfastness.
Rainfastness and Fungicides
As a guide: 25 mm of rainfall can remove approximately 50% of protectant fungicide residue.
Over 50 mm of rainfall will wash off the majority and leave your vines unprotected.
While some newer formulations, when used with spreader-stickers, may offer some improved resistance to wash-off, it is still recommended to re-apply after that significant amount of rainfall.
Systemic vs Protectants
Systemic fungicides generally provide better protection during rainy periods, because they are absorbed into plant tissue and are less prone to wash-off compared to protectant (contact) fungicides.
Remember:
The interval between fungicide application and rainfall is crucial for product effectiveness. If heavy rainfall occurs within two hours of applying either systemic or protectant fungicides, much of the product is likely to be washed off, significantly reducing its efficacy. Even within 12 hours of application, some level of wash-off can still occur.
Rainfall intensity also plays a role: 25 mm falling in one hour causes greater wash-off than the same amount falling gently over several hours.
So, apply your protectants on time, don't skip applications and re-apply after major rain events.
We have generally managed to avoid major downy and black rot outbreaks this year, so let's keep the trend going.
Upcoming Events
Sunlight, Shoots & Sugar: Mastering Canopy Management for Top-Quality Wine Grape Production
Date: July 19, 2025
Time: 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Mercator Vineyards and Winery, 88 Dyke Rd, Wolfville, NS
Sign up on the link below:
https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/sunlight-shoots-sugar-mastering-canopy-management-for-top-quality-wine-grape-production/edate/2025-07-19/
Smart Farming in Action: Using Precision Ag and Drone Technology for Site-Specific Field Management
Date: July 24, 2025
Time: 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Blomidon Estate Winery, 10318 NS-221, Canning, NS
Sign up on the link below:
https://www.perennia.ca/eventer/smart-farming-in-action-using-precision-ag-and-drone-technology-for-site-specific-field-management/edate/2025-07-24/
Thank you all for your time this week, and I look forward to seeing you in the field with Kevin very 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
