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Grapevine Training System Trends in the South WineEast While VSP trellises still rule in Texas, other systems have their own advantages By Fritz Westover D uring the past decade of working as a viticulturist in the eastern and southern United States, I have observed that the vertical shoot positioned (VSP) vine-training method is the most commonly used of all available systems (see photo at right). There are many good reasons for the dominance of the VSP system: It is relatively simple to install and implement, and it adapts to a wide range of grape varieties including vinifera and interspecific hybrid winegrapes. In-row vine spacing, between-row spacing and canopy height can all vary a great deal within the VSP-training system, and both spur- and cane-pruning techniques can be applied within its confines, resulting in a wide range of canopy architecture. Furthermore, the VSP system seems to best conform to vineyard mechanization, which is a big advantage at a time when decreases in labor input and production costs per acre are ever present. Although the apparent simplicity and adaptability of the VSP system is evident, not all new vineyards in the South are being installed exclusively with VSP. Several other training systems have their place in the hot southern climate. In this article I will summarize some of the non-mainstream systems that are being implemented in Texas and how they are adapted to fit the needs of local grapegrowers. Divided-canopy training systems VSP (or some modified version thereof) remains the most widely used training system for vinifera and interspecific hybrid winegrapes in the majority of Texas vineyards. However, yields with this system are quite variable across the state depending upon site, variety and seasonal conditions. As with other hot growing regions, there are concerns regarding excessive sun exposure and uneven fruit ripening if canopies are not managed accordingly. The hybrid grapes steal the show with respect to the use of divided canopy training systems, perhaps as a function of the climate where those varieties are grown in Texas. On average, the Gulf Coast region experiences approximately 40 or more inches of rainfall annually. Soils tend to be deep and either sandy loam, clay or a mixture of clay loam and clay. The high-vigor capacity of these soils, combined with plentiful annual rainfall and inherent high vigor of the hybrid grapes, often results in the need for larger canopies, hence a trellis and training system that can allow for larger canopies. Divided canopy training systems have long had the reputation of producing greater yields than traditional, non-divided systems With traditional VSP training systems, yields vary depending upon site, variety, canopy management and seasonal conditions. such as VSP. Divided-canopy training systems can be designed to separate two canopies horizontally (such as with the Geneva Double Curtain and the Lyre training systems) or vertically (such as with the Smart-Dyson or Scott Henry systems). For a review of these systems I recommend the ���Wine Grape Production Guide for Eastern North America��� 1 or ���Sunlight into Wine.���2 The two major divided canopies that are utilized in Texas are the Geneva Double Curtain and a modified version of the high-wire system known locally as the Watson System. Where VSP training systems have been implemented on high-vigor sites, there is room for modification miwinebarrel Stainless Steel & Oak Wine Barrels... Midwest, East Coast, Great Lakes, Canada... miwinebarrel.com We now also provide... Custom Stainless Steel Tanks! 734.398.2028 Win es & Vin es M A RC H 20 13 53