Page 39 - Grapevine NovDec 2021
P. 39
Around The Vineyard
Pruning Phases, Tools &
Techniques for Vineyards
By: Alyssa L. Ochs
A topic of pruning is essential for vineyards. However, the pruning method used can affect how
round this time of the year, addressing the
future grapes grow and their quality at harvest.
Now that harvest is over, grapevines enter
Pruning is an opportunity to control vine damage
into a winter dormancy phase, losing the rest of and disease early on and ensure that grapes have
their leaves and exposing only bare cane shoots enough air circulation to prevent mildew and rot.
in the canopies. Now is the crucial time to refresh Pruning maintains the consistency, predictability
your memory about the different pruning phases to and structure of a vineyard while keeping it orga-
get the timing right and learn about the best tools nized and looking clean. The ultimate goal is to
and training strategies to implement for safety and maximize the one-year wood on each grapevine
efficiency. without letting the plant make more grapes than it
can support.
Basics of Pruning
Phases of Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of managing a
vineyard to remove foliage, fruit and branches. Pruning is described as both a science and an art
877-892-5332 The Grapevine • November - December 2021 Page 37
Grapevine Main Pages GV111221_Layout 1-1 .indd 37 10/26/21 3:43 PM
