How to prune grapes?

As an important economic crop in orchards , grapes are widely popular due to their high market demand and good planting benefits, and are also widely planted in China. To achieve high grape yields, in addition to relying on scientific management techniques, shaping and pruning are also key steps. Let’s learn how to prune grapes.

1. Plastic surgery method

1. Multiple main vine shaping

In the year of planting, when the new shoots grow to 5-6 leaves, top them and select 3-4 strong main vines for cultivation.

2. Trunk Shape Reshaping

In the year of planting, only one new shoot is retained and cultivated into an upright growing trunk.

3. Fan-shaped shaping

This type of plastic surgery is used in both northern and southern China. It is characterized by a short or absent main trunk, 3-5 main vines, and several fruiting branches evenly distributed.

4. Single layer double arm plastic surgery

Suitable for varieties with weaker growth potential and low-rise dense planting. It consists of a main trunk and two horizontal main vines in opposite directions.

2. Pruning points

Grape pruning requires skill and knowledge of the variety's characteristics, and a three-step pruning method is usually used. According to the location of flowering, grapes can be divided into:

Long-shoot varieties (such as Corison and Red Grape): The flowering position is relatively high, and flower buds are generally formed at the 6th, 7th, and 8th leaf positions. Pruning is done at 2-3 bud positions on the fruit cluster.

Mid-shoot varieties (such as Ruby and Victoria): Flower buds form at the 4th, 5th, and 6th leaf positions, and pruning is done close to the fruit clusters.

Short-shoot varieties (such as Kyoho and Summer Black): There are high-quality flower buds at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd leaf positions, and pruning is done under the fruit clusters.

When pruning, follow the principle of "look first, count second, and cut third":

First look: Observe whether the flower buds are full and choose healthy ones.

Second calculation: calculate the number of branches according to the expected yield, and then prune.

Three cuts: The cut should be 2-3 cm away from the flower bud and the cut surface should be flat.

3. Pruning method

1. Remove the sprouts

When the buds grow to 2-3 cm, remove the weak buds, fork buds and useless hidden buds on old vines. For twin or triple buds, only one main bud is retained.

2. Fix the shoot

Do this when the new shoots grow to 10-20 cm and the inflorescence is visible. Determine the number of fruiting branches according to the characteristics of the variety.

3. Topping

The inflorescence of the fruiting vine should be pinched off after leaving 6-7 leaves to increase the fruit setting rate and promote the enlargement of young fruits.

4. Remove the side shoots

Control the germination of side shoots to avoid excessive consumption of nutrients. No side shoots are left below the inflorescence, and except for 1-2 side shoots at the top of the inflorescence, all the rest are removed.

5. Inflorescence shaping and tendril removal

In general, grape pruning is suitable for all seasons of the year, especially pruning during the dormant period. The pruning method needs to be determined based on factors such as variety, cultivation method, management technology level, tree age and tree vigor.