Kentville Research and Development Centre
2023-24 Bud Hardiness Report No. 5 - Nova Scotia
Attached, from Jeff Franklin and Dr. Harrison Wright, is Nova Scotia bud hardiness report #5 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: All varieties in the survey have deacclimated since our last survey in early February. Currently, LTE50 values for all varieties fall within a one-degree range and the values are typical compared to past surveys for this time of year. As the plot shows, there is a significant buffer between the current bud hardness values and the daily minimum temperatures we have been experiencing. The average minimum temperature for the month of March has been -1.0 °C compared to the 10-year average of -5.2 °C and the 25-year average of -4.8 °C.
This is the last bud hardiness report that we will be posting for the 2023/24 dormancy season. We would like to extend our gratitude to the contributing grape growers as this study would not be possible without their support.