PRUNING:
We have to prune our vines twice every year, to achieve and regulate systematic removal of wood in a manner that will result in a strong plant convenient shape and good crops of large clusters. Pruning operation influences grape than any other methods.
In India, we prune the plant twice - once during September - October where we choose 6-8 canes emitting out of secondary canes, and remove their existing leaves. Second pruning happens during the months of March-April (after grape-picking) where all the tertiary canes are removed and only the primary (the trunk) and secondaries are left to grow strong!
To make Pruning activity efficient, we follow different TRELLIS SYSTEMS (or plant training methods) which enables this woody plant to grow in a systematic manner.
2-ARM KNIFFIN SYSTEM:
First and fore
most, we choose an essentially stronger shoot as our Primary and tie them to a stake (wooden support) and allow them to grow 3 feet long, as shown here.
At the desired height - we choose 2 buds and train them to grow 180 degrees apart on the main trellis wire, now these would be our Secondary shoots - for the entire life cycle of grape vine, which shall continue to rest on horizontal guy wire.
The Tertiary shoots, which shall be eventually our fruit bearing shoots may need another wire support as year progresses, or as and when we feel the need depending on the weight of fruits per plant.
Here are some pictures taken at our Vineyards, at these stages:
SETTING UP KNIFFIN SYSTEM:
To get Kniffi
n system in place, we generally use locally available Granite pillars and Guy wires. The granite pillars are considerably better than wooded pillars and can take the load of grapes easily, and would need no treatment over years. These pillars are installed between a group of 10 plants (vines) and wires pulled around them as tight as possible.
As shown here there are 4 wires running across the granite pillars. The bottom most (a thin wire) holds the drip line in place. Right above that is a thick wire to hold Primary shoot, and the top 2 wires (medium sized) to hold the Tertiary shoots and grapes in one place, which makes the process a lot easier during sprays and harvesting.
Also, the top two wires holds the entire plant in place, enabling us to run power tillers, tractors between the rows easily.
We have to prune our vines twice every year, to achieve and regulate systematic removal of wood in a manner that will result in a strong plant convenient shape and good crops of large clusters. Pruning operation influences grape than any other methods.
In India, we prune the plant twice - once during September - October where we choose 6-8 canes emitting out of secondary canes, and remove their existing leaves. Second pruning happens during the months of March-April (after grape-picking) where all the tertiary canes are removed and only the primary (the trunk) and secondaries are left to grow strong!
To make Pruning activity efficient, we follow different TRELLIS SYSTEMS (or plant training methods) which enables this woody plant to grow in a systematic manner.
2-ARM KNIFFIN SYSTEM:
First and fore
most, we choose an essentially stronger shoot as our Primary and tie them to a stake (wooden support) and allow them to grow 3 feet long, as shown here.At the desired height - we choose 2 buds and train them to grow 180 degrees apart on the main trellis wire, now these would be our Secondary shoots - for the entire life cycle of grape vine, which shall continue to rest on horizontal guy wire.
The Tertiary shoots, which shall be eventually our fruit bearing shoots may need another wire support as year progresses, or as and when we feel the need depending on the weight of fruits per plant.Here are some pictures taken at our Vineyards, at these stages:
SETTING UP KNIFFIN SYSTEM:
To get Kniffi
n system in place, we generally use locally available Granite pillars and Guy wires. The granite pillars are considerably better than wooded pillars and can take the load of grapes easily, and would need no treatment over years. These pillars are installed between a group of 10 plants (vines) and wires pulled around them as tight as possible.
As shown here there are 4 wires running across the granite pillars. The bottom most (a thin wire) holds the drip line in place. Right above that is a thick wire to hold Primary shoot, and the top 2 wires (medium sized) to hold the Tertiary shoots and grapes in one place, which makes the process a lot easier during sprays and harvesting.Also, the top two wires holds the entire plant in place, enabling us to run power tillers, tractors between the rows easily.
