Kentville Research and Development Centre
2023-24 Bud Hardiness Report No. 2 - Nova Scotia
Attached, from Jeff Franklin and Dr. Harrison Wright, is Nova Scotia bud hardiness report #2 for the 2023-24 year. The Nova Scotia wine grape bud hardiness survey generates occasional reports of the low temperature exotherm (LTE) values over the dormant period (roughly from late October to late April).
Note from the research team: Bud hardiness estimates continue to be higher (less hardy) than expected for this time of year based on historical data. Looking back as far as 2017, mean LTE50 values are: Chardonnay -23.3 °C, L’Acadie -25.9 °C, Marquette -28.3 °C, and Riesling -23.4 °C. The pattern is similar to 2022 with L’Acadie and Marquette showing the greatest discrepancy from their historical averages at +2.5 °C and +3.2 °C, respectively. Chardonnay and Riesling show a difference of +1.3 °C and +1.5 °C, respectively, from their averages. The mean monthly temperature so far in December is 1.6°C compared to the 25-year average of -0.9 °C. Most of this temperature discrepancy has resulted from temperature extremes during the last few storm events. The long-term forecast calls for temperatures to continue to cycle until at least the end of the month.