Canopy management and pruning techniques Flashcards
Why are pruning, training, and canopy management important in viticulture?
These techniques optimize light exposure, air circulation, disease prevention, vine balance, and fruit quality.
What are the two main types of pruning in grapevines?
Spur Pruning – Short shoots (spurs) with 1–2 buds are retained on permanent cordons.
Cane Pruning – Long canes (8–15 buds) are retained from the previous year’s growth.
What are the pros and cons of spur pruning?
✅ Easier to manage and mechanize.
✅ Suitable for warm climates with consistent bud fertility.
❌ May reduce yield in varieties with low basal bud fertility.
What are the pros and cons of cane pruning?
✅ Better for varieties with low basal bud fertility (e.g., Pinot Noir).
✅ Can improve yield and fruit quality in cooler climates.
❌ More labor-intensive than spur pruning.
What are the main goals of vine training systems?
Control vine shape and growth habit.
Maximize light interception.
Improve air circulation to reduce disease risk.
What is the VSP training system, and where is it used?
Shoots are trained vertically, creating a narrow canopy.
Used in cool climates (e.g., Burgundy, New Zealand).
✅ Good for mechanization.
❌ Can create shading in vigorous vines.
What is the Guyot system?
A cane-pruned system where one or two canes are trained horizontally.
Common in cool climates (e.g., Champagne, Burgundy).
✅ Suitable for low-vigor vines.
❌ Requires annual cane replacement, increasing labor.
What is the GDC training system, and why is it used?
A divided canopy system with shoots trained horizontally in two curtains.
Used in high-vigor vineyards to reduce shading.
✅ Increases yield and airflow.
❌ Requires more vineyard space.
What is the Lyre system, and how does it help with canopy management?
A divided canopy with shoots trained outward in a ‘U’ shape.
Reduces shading and increases light penetration.
✅ Improves photosynthesis and fruit ripening.
❌ More costly and complex to set up.
What is unique about the Smart-Dyson system?
A vertically divided canopy where some shoots grow upward and others downward.
Used to manage excessive vigor.
✅ Improves light distribution and airflow.
❌ Requires careful pruning to maintain balance.
What are the main goals of canopy management?
Optimize light exposure for photosynthesis.
Improve airflow to reduce disease pressure.
Control vigor to balance fruit and vegetative growth.
How does leaf removal and shoot thinning affect grapevine growth?
Leaf removal around fruit zones improves sun exposure and reduces disease risk.
Shoot thinning removes excess shoots to prevent overcrowding.
✅ Increases sugar accumulation in berries.
❌ Must be done carefully to avoid sunburn.
What is green harvesting, and why is it done?
Removing excess grape clusters before ripening to improve fruit quality.
Helps balance yield and prevent overcropping.
✅ Enhances concentration in remaining grapes.
❌ Reduces overall yield.
Why is shoot positioning important?
Ensures uniform canopy structure.
Prevents shading of lower leaves and clusters.
Improves mechanical harvesting efficiency.
✅ Encourages even ripening.
