Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/112023
WineEast Shoots are trained in both upward and downward directions on this Favorite cultivar, shown next to a VSP-trained canopy for comparison. native for a grower is to divide a vigorous canopy in order to capitalize on the extra vigor by producing additional fruit. In 2009 a Texas vineyard planted with the PD-tolerant hybrid ���Favorite��� (a grape similar to Lenoir) was identified as having excessive vigor on its VSP training system (average cane weights greater than 40 grams and shoot hedging two or more times per year). In collaboration with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service, owners Louise and Ed Rice of Rolling Hills Vineyard implemented a replicated comparison of their existing VSP system with one modified to vertical canopy division. The VSP system consisted of bi-lateral cordons spur-pruned to five buds per linear foot. The divided system was the same, with the addition of two buds per foot retained in even spacing on the west side of the cordon (northsouth oriented rows). During the growing season, the east side of the canopy was maintained as standard VSP, having all shoots trained vertically, and the two buds per foot on the west side grew fruitful shoots trained in the downward direction (see photo at left). Shoot positioning was performed once on upward and downward shoots, approximately two weeks before bloom plus one follow-up pass, if needed, after fruit set. Sorokowsky6 has evaluated a similar modification to VSP, referred to as the ���southern sprawl,��� and other similar modifications to VSP have been used in Virginia with success. The single-sided vertical division allows a grower to apply herbicides more easily under the vine row compared to a double-sided division and focuses the extra growth on the side of the canopy receiving the hotter, late-day sun. Winery Design, Operation, Consulting www.WineDoc.com WINERY PLANNING High End Wines! Quality Products Real E���ciency Business Plans Building Layouts Equipment Specs Winemaking Dr. Tom Co���rell 800 793-6436 Tom@WineDoc.com Win es & Vines M A RC H 20 13 57