Grape Pruning Techniques in Winter
This article introduces knowledge about grapes, focusing on grape pruning techniques in winter. The following is a detailed introduction.
1. Renewal of Perennial Main Vines
Due to the older age, thicker vines, and aging tissue of perennial main vines of grapes, along with the increasing number of cut ends and scars, the smooth flow of conductive tissue is affected. The renewal method involves careful management of the suckers at the base of the perennial main vines, allowing new vines to grow. During winter pruning, the old vines are cut off above the new vines, replacing the main vines with the new ones. This renewal method can be completed in the entire garden within 3 years.
2. Renewal of Main and Lateral Vines
Due to the continuous extension of main and lateral vines, the tree's growth weakens, or if it grows too vigorously, exceeds the top of the trellis, or is damaged by diseases and pests, it must be pruned back and renewed in time, otherwise it will affect yield and growth. For those with multiple main vines, renewal can be done between main vines, while for those with fewer main vines, renewal can be done between plants. The basic method of renewal is to leave a strong new shoot at the base of the original main and lateral vines to extend its growth. During winter pruning, cut the new shoot at a饱满 bud and at the same time, cut the original main and lateral vines from the base or 10 centimeters away from the renewal shoot.
3. Double Vine Renewal
To control the outward movement of the fruiting position and ensure good quality fruiting branches every year, a double vine renewal pruning method can be used. That is, on the main or lateral vines, leave a fixed fruiting branch group every 20-30 centimeters. During winter pruning, select two mature branches near the base of the fruiting branch group close to the main and lateral vines, with the lower one left with 2-3 buds for short pruning as a reserve branch, and the upper one left with 4-8 buds for short pruning as a fruiting mother branch. During the second winter pruning, remove the fruiting branches and select two more branches from the lower reserve branch for the same treatment. This ensures the robust growth of the branch groups and the plant's strong fruiting ability.
4. Single Vine Renewal
This involves pruning each fruiting mother branch with 2-4 buds. Short pruning does not require a reserve branch (the short shoot itself has the dual function of a fruiting mother branch and a reserve branch). All branches far from the main and lateral vines are removed, and mature branches near the main and lateral vines are selected for short pruning. The next year, new shoots on the pruned branches are selected from the upper part as fruiting mother branches. During winter pruning, remove the fruiting branches and select one branch from the lower mature shoots near the base for short pruning. This renewal is repeated. However, this method should only be used for grape varieties that easily flower, meaning that the first 2-3 buds of the new shoot can form flower buds.
5. Triple Main Vine Rotation Renewal Method
After planting, through shaping and pruning, a tree shape with three main vines as the main structure is formed. In the third spring when grape buds germinate, select one main vine from the three that has a higher fruiting position, has moved outward, and is relatively weak. From its base, leave and cultivate a vigorous new shoot, the lower the position of the new shoot, the stronger the branch, and the plumper the buds, the better. In autumn, perform medium to long pruning on this new shoot, cut the original main vine 10 centimeters above where the new shoot originates, and the newly cultivated new shoot becomes a main vine, re-forming the tree shape with three main vines. This rotation is done every year, with each main vine undergoing rotation renewal, thereby ensuring the robust growth and stable high yield of grapes.
The above content introduces the specific techniques of grape pruning in winter for your reference and operation.