Grape planting management methods in May

In May, we welcome the two solar terms of Lixia and Xiaoman, which mark the arrival of midsummer. Thunderstorms also become more frequent. In terms of grape cultivation, May is a critical period for outdoor grapes, as they will experience the flowering period, young fruit period and coloring period. For grapes grown in greenhouses , May is the coloring and harvesting period. Let’s learn the key points of grape management techniques in May.

1. Loosening the soil

During the budding and heading period of the grapes, the soil should be loosened by tillage with a depth of 15 to 20 cm, slightly deeper on the outside and slightly shallower on the inside, to promote the development of the root system.

2. Weeding in the park

Mainly use manual methods to remove weeds in the garden and reduce nutrient competition. Weed control is most effective when it is carried out in the early stages of weed growth and before the seeds mature. Use herbicides with caution, such as 41% glyphosate isopropylamine salt or 30% glyphosate, and dilute them according to the recommended ratio before spraying.

3. Fertilization management

Since grape budding and flowering require a lot of nutrients, compound fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer should be applied in time to support the growth of grapes and the development of fruits. The use of flush fertilizers and water-soluble fertilizers can improve fertilizer utilization.

4. Bud removal and bud fixation

Remove excess buds appropriately, and start tying up new shoots when they grow to 10 to 20 cm to optimize the tree shape and light conditions.

5. Plant soil

Combine tillage, weeding and fertilization, and build up the soil for the plants, especially those with unstable root systems, to enhance their stability. At the same time, root-stimulating fertilizers can be used to promote root growth.

6. Cover weeds

Covering the ground between or slightly beyond the rows of vines with weeds and straw will help retain soil moisture and improve soil structure.

7. Cutting seedlings

Cut branches into about 20 cm long and containing 2 to 3 buds for seedling cultivation by cuttings, and adjust the number of buds retained appropriately according to different varieties.

8. Water management

Irrigate in time during drought and pay attention to drainage during the rainy season to avoid excessive water affecting grape growth.

9. Use of pesticides

Focus on preventing diseases such as grape black pox, downy mildew, gray mold, as well as pests such as thrips and scale insects. The prevention and control of powdery mildew is particularly important. Once it occurs, it will seriously affect the quality of the fruit.

10. Management during the expansion period

Pay attention to supplementing calcium fertilizer and potassium fertilizer, but the two should be applied separately. Foliar sprays of chelated calcium promote healthy fruit development.

11. Sun fruit diseases

Avoid fruit burns caused by direct high temperature, pinch the tops of the plants appropriately to enhance the shading effect, and avoid excessive application of fertilizer and water.

12. Fruit thinning operation

For large fruits and compact clusters, appropriate fruit thinning should be carried out to prevent excessive crowding inside and cause diseases.

In short, the management of grapes in May, through the above measures, can effectively improve the growth quality and yield of grapes and bring a good harvest to the vineyard.