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54 p r a c t i c a l w i n e r y & v i n e ya r d J U n e 2 0 1 4 g r a p e g r o w i n g management decisions when shifting practices from manual to mechanical methods. This article summarizes rele- vant findings of a trial conducted to com- pare hand and mechanical leaf removal in Pinot Noir during 2011, one of the coolest and wettest years in Oregon's recent history. Prior to 2011, research was conducted across several commercial vineyards in the Willamette Valley (2008 to 2011) to deter- mine impact of early season leaf removal on powdery mildew (Erisyphe necator) and Botrytis bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea). Results showed that early season leaf removal reduced powdery mildew and Botrytis inci- dence and severity of clusters when com- pared to no leaf removal (Skinkis and Mahaffee, unpublished). That research evaluated hand leaf removal only. Since many growers are switching to mechanical leaf removal, concerns have been raised about applicability of mechanical leaf removal early in the sea- son (bloom or fruit set) without resulting in cluster and berry damage. This led to evaluation of whether hand and mechan- ical leaf removal would cause cluster damage and influence fruit set, yield, fruit composition and disease incidence when applied at different phenological stages during the 2011 season. Mechanical and hand leaf removal methods were compared in a commercial vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. The vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir (clone 777) grafted to Riparia Gloire root- stock in 1997 at a vine density of 3,015 vines per acre. Vine rows were oriented north-south and trained to a vertically shoot positioned canopy. Innovation…It's Our Foundation for Growth. Greenhouse Grown vines GraftinG waxinG the Graft unions first staGe nursery Greenhouse vines recently Graded vines Before BundlinG field Grown dormants hot water dippinG callused cuttinGs ready for plantinG WascO 661-758-4777 PasO RObles 805-237-8914 MOdestO 209-523-8036 santa ROsa 707-542-5510 serving the Wine, table Grape and Raisin Industries every new season of growth at Vintage nurseries is backed by years of research and innovation. In fact, big ideas and advanced, new processes guide our respected operation, from our recently expanded mist propagation system, to our greatly enhanced lighthouse capacity, pest and pathogen treatment program, new mother blocks and other special services. Te more we innovate, the more we cultivate lasting customer relationships at Vintage, where you can always expect the cleanest, most trusted material in the industry. Grow your opportunities with Vintage nurseries, and let personal service, attention to quality and leading-edge innovation guide the way. www.Vintagenurseries.com | 800-499-9019 | Figure 1. Leaf removal conducted at bloom in 2011: (A) before leaf removal, (B) mechanical leaf removal on the east and west sides of the cluster zone, and (C) leaf removal by hand on the east and west sides of the cluster zone. B C