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.
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
