Content
Grapes in autumn enters the final stage of the growing season and begins preparations for winter. During this period, it is important to prepare the vineyard for winter so that it can withstand frost and begin to actively develop. in the spring. Grape pruning in the fall and shelter for the winter are mandatory stages of care.
When pruning, you need to choose the right time so as not to damage the plants. The processing order varies depending on the age of the grapes. Other autumn procedures also include catarrhization of the root system, treatment against diseases and pests.
Pruning goals
The grape pruning procedure is carried out for the following purposes:
- increasing productivity;
- facilitating plant care;
- stimulating the growth of new shoots;
- grape rejuvenation;
- formation of the plant, which improves its appearance;
- creating an optimal balance between the root and ground parts of the plant;
- ensuring the flow of nutrients.
Basic rules for pruning
For autumn pruning you will need sharp garden pruning shears. The cuts are made in one motion to get the most even surface possible. In order for wounds to heal faster, they should be facing the inside of the plant.
Trim time
The procedure largely depends on the region where the grapes grow. With the onset of autumn, pruning is necessary in cases where the vineyard is covered for the winter. As a result, the plant tolerates winter cold better.
Treatment is carried out at the end of October, 2 weeks after leaf fall. If the vine has suffered several light frosts, this will only harden it.
First, it is necessary to process varieties that are characterized by increased resistance to low temperatures. Then they move on to the rest of the plantings.
Basic techniques
There are several ways to prune grapes. The choice of technique depends on the degree of growth and plant variety.
- Short trim. This method has another name - “on a knot”. Its purpose is to form and rejuvenate the grapes. As a result, from 2 to 4 eyes remain on the shoot. Be sure to eliminate branches growing from the first eye. In total, up to 40 eyes are left on the branches.
- Medium trim. After the procedure, up to 8 buds are left on the branch, while their total number on the bush is no more than 50. Thus, frost-resistant shoots are preserved.
- Long trim. This method allows you to increase the fruiting of grapes. 15 eyes are left on each branch, and their total number should not exceed 60. Long pruning is more suitable for Asian varieties.
- Mixed media.
The most popular is mixed pruning, which combines short and long techniques. Some of the branches are cut off at the tip, which promotes plant renewal.The remaining grape shoots are pruned to increase yield.
Pruning based on the age of the grapes
The procedure for carrying out the procedure varies depending on the age of the plant:
- Preparation of seedlings. In the first year after planting grapes, it is important to form two vines. We cut the shoots at a height of 40 to 60 cm. Then the plantings are pinned to the ground and covered.
- Pruning a two-year-old bush. In the second year, up to 6 new grape shoots are formed. They formed on branches left behind last year. 2 or 3 buds are left on each of them.
- Treatment of an adult bush.
Grape pruning aged 3 years or more carried out in the following order:
- After picking the berries, the plant is cleared of weak shoots and tops that interfere with its development.
- In early September, on perennial branches, it is necessary to eliminate young shoots that have not grown to the wire located at a distance of 0.5 m above the ground.
- Shoots that have outgrown the second wire (it is placed 30 cm above the first) are cut off by 10% of the total length. Side branches are also eliminated.
- In mid-October, on each sleeve of grapes, the two most developed branches are selected, the length of which reaches the first two wires.
- The lower branch growing on the outer part of the sleeve is cut off so that 4 eyes remain. Thus, a substitution knot is formed.
- The shoot located on the opposite side and above must be trimmed, leaving 5-12 eyes. This branch is called the fruiting arrow.
As a result, the most powerful branches and sleeves remain, from which new vines are formed in the spring.
Another stage of the procedure is the removal of excess mustache. With their help, the grapes are fastened and developed. If the plant is tied up, it is better to trim the mustache.However, it is better to direct them correctly so that the vine wraps around the arch or arbor.
Other autumn procedures
Before covering the grapes, you need to perform other procedures. In autumn, the root system is rotted, the plant is watered and treated. After this, the plantings are covered for the winter.
Catarovka roots
Catarovka allows you to destroy the roots of grapes that are on the surface of the earth. They do not perform important functions and only take away the strength of the plant.
To eliminate excess roots, a ditch is dug under the trunk to a depth of 20 cm. Branches located above the main rhizome are eliminated.
The sections are disinfected with a solution of copper sulfate. Then the hole is filled with sand, and the bush is hilled up and watered with warm water.
Pest treatment
To protect the vineyard from diseases and pests, a number of preventive measures are taken. Pest larvae and fungal spores often find shelter under the bark of shoots. Their activity begins in the spring.
The most effective remedy is a solution of copper sulfate. A bucket of water requires 0.1 kg of substance. The product consumption is 2 liters for each bush.
Special preparations are used to process grapes: Topaz, Ridomil, Avixil. To obtain a working solution, they are diluted with water in the ratio specified in the instructions.
Shelter
After pruning, you need to cover the grapes. You need to dig trenches along the plantings, after which the vines are tied and placed in them. The plants are covered with a 15 cm layer of soil on top. The soil must be slightly moistened to avoid freezing. This technique is suitable for regions where there are no severe frosts.
Additionally the vineyard is covered film, straw, thick fabric or slate. There should be a snow cover over the grapes to protect the plants from freezing. To prevent the snow cover from being blown away by the wind, it is necessary to install shields. In the spring they are removed and the soil is discarded to allow the plant to dry out.
Conclusion
Pruning and covering are essential stages of vineyard care. Such procedures protect plantings from winter frosts, rejuvenate the vine and increase productivity. The pruning order varies depending on the age of the grapes. Be sure to remove the roots that reach the surface of the earth. To protect plantings from pests and diseases, they are treated with special preparations.
