Sap Flow Overview

The 2022 maple season is here! Producers everywhere have cleared their bushes, cleaned their equipment, and sporadically throughout Ontario have begun tapping and even boiling. As is normally the case, larger producers and those who like to be particularly early began tapping weeks ago to be on schedule for the first flows of the season.

Remember that sap starts flowing after the tree has thawed, and when nighttime temperatures are below freezing while daytime temperatures rise above freezing. This means that first tapping dates change from year to year. Keep an eye on your 2-week forecast and select a window where you’re likely to do least damage to the tree. Check out the article on When To Tap for more information.

In the Southwest Region, some producers have finished tapping and warmer temperatures gave some their first run last week and a second run this week. Many used the first run to flush their lines, and are on their first or second boils of the season. Brix ranged from 1.5-1.7 in soft maple and 1.8-2.2 in hard maple, with mostly golden syrup being made. If you haven’t tapped yet, no need to worry, as many others are also waiting for warmer weather. Tapping will likely be done over the next week.

In Waterloo-Wellington, some producers are waiting another week or so for the weather to move into a more comfortable range, some are halfway through tapping, and particularly large producers who began tapping early have had their first boil with the warm weather this week.

Further north, smaller producers have begun to tap sporadically as well when temperatures rise above freezing, but many are still waiting for longer bouts of warmer weather.

This blog will be updated weekly throughout the season. Are you interested in providing quick updates to me? You can fill out this quick and easy 7-question survey. You can also text, call, or email me with updates at:

Mobile: 519 835 5872

Email: jenny.liu2@ontario.ca

LDD Moth 2022 Forecast

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has released their 2022 LDD moth population and outbreak forecast. You can view the map below or visit the main site with the full update here. You can also check out the blog page 2021 LDD moth updates for information on the pest, management, and whether or not to spray your woodlot.

If you decide that you need to engage aerial spray services, get in touch with the Ontario Centre for Forest Defoliator Control at 226 996 9702 or email info@ocfdc.com. OCFDC is facilitating Zimmer Air Services Inc.’s LDD moth spray program. Contact them as soon as you decide you will require aerial services. If you are unfamiliar with Zimmer Air Services, see their website here or watch their latest status update from December 1, 2021 here.

2022 LDD moth forecasting map interpretation:

• Red shaded areas show LDD moth damage in 2021
• Dots show where egg mass surveys were done and represent forecasting for 2022 in those areas
• Severe defoliation expected in parts of Aylmer, Guelph, Parry Sound, Bancroft and Pembroke districts
• Moderate defoliation expected in parts of Guelph, Parry Sound, Bancroft and Pembroke districts
• Light defoliation expected in areas of Midhurst district
• The variation in defoliation forecast is encouraging, as it shows that the outbreak is slowing down
• Of the LDD moth’s two major natural enemies, the nucleopolyhedrosus virus (NPV) had the greatest impact on populations in 2021

If you would like to view the webinar where Dan Rowlinson of NDMNRF explains the forecast and gives a general LDD overview and update, click here.

COVID Supports

We’ve been hearing from producers who are struggling with the complications that COVID has posed to workforces, administration, and best safety practices. Please see the following slide for some OMAFRA funding and resources, last updated February 11, 2022.