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
