How to Manage Grapevines
Introduction: This article provides information on the management of grapevines and cultivation techniques for growing and managing them. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
Currently, there are many grape varieties in the world, including Kyoho, Summer Black, White Milk, and Hongti, among others, which have a considerable market prospect. To grow better quality fruit and increase grape yields, it is essential to put in effort in three aspects: fertilization, water management, and pruning and shaping.
1. Fertilization
Firstly, the base fertilizer should be sufficient, applied in the fall during September to October, with a trench 40cm deep. Then, apply top dressing in shallow trenches, with the first application during the germination stage, mainly using nitrogen fertilizer (a soluble fertilizer with a high content of major elements is recommended); if the tree is too vigorous, this can be omitted. The second application is after flowering, when young fruits start to grow; the third application is during the fruit coloring stage; and after the harvest, a fourth application is necessary to restore the grapevine's vitality and increase root nutrient reserves.
2. Water Management
Grape water management mainly involves irrigation and drainage. For irrigation, the first is before the sprouting of shoots, the second is before and after flowering, each with a thorough watering spaced 8-10 days apart; when the berries are the size of soybeans, the third irrigation can be combined with fertilization; the fourth is before the fruit cluster matures, aiming to improve quality and promote ripening; and the fifth is after harvest, aiming to promote root growth and enhance cold resistance. For drainage, growers should plan water management using the small ditches, middle ditches, and surrounding ditches in the vineyard.
3. Light and Temperature
Grapes prefer to grow in warm environments with plenty of sunlight. It is best to maintain the temperature between 15-25°C during cultivation, while ensuring sufficient lighting and good ventilation, which are more conducive to the healthy growth of the plants. Note that during cold winter weather, the temperature should not drop below 5°C to avoid frost damage.
4. Pruning and Shaping
When the new shoots of grapevines show flower clusters, it is necessary to check and remove unnecessary shoots. The first pruning focuses on removing vegetative branches, preserving the fruiting branches, and the second pruning is done 10 days before flowering. Then, tie the new shoots and remove tendrils. When the new shoots reach 30cm, they should be evenly tied to the trellis, while removing tendrils. Next, pinch the tips of the shoots 10cm in length when they have grown to 12 leaves, 3-4 days before flowering, or during the flowering period, leaving 5-8 leaves above the inflorescence. Finally, shape the grape clusters one week before flowering.
5. Disease and Pest Control
Grapes are susceptible to various diseases and pests during growth, such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, spotted leafhopper, and thrips. If any pests or diseases are detected, it is necessary to immediately cut off the affected branches to reduce the overwintering disease sources and apply targeted pesticides. For downy mildew, Bordeaux mixture or 40% phosphorus-aluminum can be used; for powdery mildew, carbendazim or 70% methyl thiophanate can be used; for spotted leafhopper, imidacloprid or lambda-cyhalothrin can be used; and for thrips, imidacloprid or deltamethrin can be used.
This article shares a comprehensive introduction to grapevine management and cultivation techniques, hoping to provide green plant enthusiasts with some relevant knowledge.