Name
Enhancing vineyard management: using novel sensors to determine subcanopy hydrometeorological variability amongst grapevines
Date & Time
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Description
In the Niagara growing region of Ontario, climate change poses considerable challenges to vineyard operators hoping to achieve optimal yield and quality within their fields. Niagara is the primary growing region for wine production in Canada, accounting for 93% of Ontario's yield and contributing about $5.5 billion in economic impact to the province, annually. Elevated growing season temperatures and the increase in variable precipitation events may lead to reductions in grape quality, yield, and increase the occurrence of berry desiccation and disease. Monitoring water use and micro-climatic variation between grapevine blocks is important for allowing growers to determine effective non-uniform management strategies. However, vineyards are highly heterogeneous systems, making these decisions increasingly difficult. Tree-Talker-Wine (TTW) sensors are a novel technology that combines the assessment of subcanopy microclimate and grapevine sap flow sensors within a single tool. TTW’s were deployed across three varietal blocks: Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir, at two different sites (Beamsville and Jordan) located within the Niagara Peninsula. Subcanopy air temperature was consistent between varietals at each site, and similar trends were noted for soil temperature and moisture across the growing season. Sap flow, used to determine grapevine transpiration, showed variability between sites, where Beamsville diurnal and seasonal transpiration was greater than blocks at Jordan. These transpiration results led to greater water-use-efficiency values for the Beamsville blocks. TTW sensors are effective at monitoring changes in grapevine water use throughout a vineyard, enhancing the ability for growers to make effective management decisions, and contributing to successful harvests.
Location Name
McInnes Room
Full Address
Dalhousie University
Halifax NS
Canada
Session Type
Poster
Abstract ID
338
Speaker Organization
University of Waterloo
Session Name
H-1
Co-authors
Dr. Richard Petrone: University of Waterloo, Faculty of Environment, Department of Geography and Environmental Management Dr. Riccardo Valentini: Tuscia University, Department of Innovation of Biological Systems, Agri-food and Forest systems (DIBAF) Dr. Andrew Reynolds: University of Guelph & University of Waterloo, Adjunct Professor
Presenting Author
Jessica Williamson, University of Waterloo, PhD Candidate, Geography and Environmental Management