What are the grape cultivation techniques
An introduction to grape cultivation techniques and the environmental requirements of grapes for green plants and flower enthusiasts who are concerned, let's learn together.
Grapes are the most common and famous originated from Western Asia, and are one of the oldest tree species discovered. Grapes are not only edible but can also be made into raisins and wine. Moreover, their roots and vines can be used as medicine, which is beneficial for pregnant women to calm the fetus and stop vomiting. Next, let's introduce the grape planting management techniques.
1. Temperature
Grapes prefer warm temperatures and will germinate when the temperature reaches 10 degrees Celsius, so they are usually planted in spring. The optimal temperature range for new shoot growth is between 20-30 degrees Celsius; during the fruit ripening period, the temperature should be maintained between 20-32 degrees Celsius. When the temperature is low or the accumulated temperature during the growing period is insufficient, it will affect the sugar content of the fruit.
2. Light
Grapes require plenty of light to promote photosynthesis and ensure plant quality. The daily sunlight exposure should reach 14 hours or more, and should not be less than 12 hours, otherwise, it will be detrimental to flower bud differentiation and also affect fruit quality and yield in the following year.
3. Water
The water requirements of grapes vary during different growth stages; during the germination stage, the humidity should reach 60%-80%; during the flowering stage, the humidity should be 50%, otherwise it will lead to flower and fruit drop; during the fruit ripening stage, the humidity should be controlled between 55%-70%. Excessive humidity can cause fruit rot and affect fruit quality; also, drainage should be paid attention to during the rainy season.
4. Soil
Grapes do not have high requirements for soil and have strong adaptability. Whether it is sandy soil, loam, or clay, grapes can grow. It is best to keep the soil pH between 6-7.5 and choose a high terrain with good drainage and loose sandy soil for planting grapes.
5. Fertilization
Different growth stages have different fertilizer requirements, and the amount of fertilizer should also be adjusted according to the fertility or infertility of the soil. In the early growth stage, the content of nitrogen fertilizer should be increased, in the middle stage, trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, and manganese can be added, and in the fruiting stage, the content of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased while reducing the content of nitrogen fertilizers.
6. Pruning
Pruning includes removing extra buds, pinching the growing tips, and determining the main shoots. Extra buds should be removed early, during the germination stage; when the fruiting branches can be distinguished, prepare for determining the main shoots, which should be adjusted according to the growth of the variety; pinching the growing tips should be done in the early flowering stage to minimize nutrient loss and improve fruit setting rate. Also, according to the yield ratio, the corresponding inflorescences should be retained; after harvesting the fruit, old, weak, and diseased leaves should be cut off to reduce nutrient loss, improve the lighting conditions of the plant, and promote fruiting in the following year.
7. Bagging
Bagging should be done after fruit setting. Choose the appropriate specialized paper bags, and before bagging, pruning should be done to remove diseased, weak, and malformed fruits and spray some fungicides, then secure the bags with wire. Half a month before the fruit ripens, prepare to remove the bags by first opening the paper bags and then removing them after a week.
8. Diseases
Anthracnose, white rot, and downy mildew are the main diseases of grapes. The principle of disease prevention and control is to detect and treat early. It is important to observe the growth of grapes and, when some plants are infected, to treat them promptly. Upon discovering these diseases, infected branches and leaves should be cut and burned to prevent further infection, then spray effective fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture and carbendazim on the fruit trees, and also improve the plant's growth environment by enhancing ventilation, drainage, and lighting conditions.
The above introduction to grape cultivation techniques and the comprehensive knowledge of grapes' environmental requirements might help you.