Seasonal Crop Manipulation

Physical manipulation is essential to maintain the correct crop load for the locality and growing conditions and bringing a good quality crop to harvest at the right time.

Pruning in the winter prepares the next year's harvest on entirely new growth. In the first 3-4 years it provides a satisfactory shape for the vine.

Overhead wire trellis system

In the following years, the bulk of the previous season's growth is pruned, leaving a specified number of canes, which varies according to local practice, the variety, and vigor of the vines.

Pruned to leave long canesPruned to leave short canes

Cutting of leaves and side stems, bunch thinning or removal, mid-season, before veraison, can help bring forward ripening and increase berry size. By removing poorly developed or over-exposed bunches, growers can improve overall berry quality. Girdling when berries are at 4-5mm diameter – in varieties such as Thompson Seedless - increases fruit size and reduces berry color development. Alternatively, girdling at veraison speeds ripening. However, the practice of girdling is losing favor as it can ring-bark the vine, reducing vigor and in severe cases kill the vine.