In episode 46 of the Vineyard Underground podcast, Jim Duane from Inside Winemaking returned for another Q&A session. Back in episode 42, we answered some great listener questions about preparing your property, getting started in grape growing, managing pests, etc. So many questions poured in that we needed to make this a two-part series. Below are some of the questions and answers from the most recent listener questions episode.
Q: On the shoots that will be next year’s canes, is it best to drop or carry fruit on those specific shoots when pruning Cabernet vines?
A: It is best to drop fruit on the shoots that will become next year’s canes. This allows the plant to direct more energy towards the growth and development of the canes rather than fruit production, resulting in healthier and stronger canes for the following year. The exception would be if the canes are very vigorous and need some fruit to slow down shoot growth.
Q: What are the best practices for early shoot thinning in vineyards to optimize carbohydrate distribution and promote healthy growth for future fruiting canes?
A: Early shoot thinning should be done carefully to ensure only the weak or excess shoots are removed. This allows for better sunlight penetration and air circulation, thus optimizing carbohydrate distribution. It also reduces competition among shoots for nutrients, promoting healthier growth for future fruiting canes. Early shoot thinning is also lest costly than late shoot thinning.
Q: How should grape harvest volumes be managed, and what factors should be considered to ensure quality and uniformity in the vineyard when deciding how many grapes to drop during the growing season?
A: Fields should be managed based on the vineyard’s capacity and the desired quality of grapes. Factors such as the vine’s health, weather conditions, and the size of the clusters should be considered when deciding how many grapes to drop. It’s important to strike a balance to ensure both quality and uniformity in the vineyard.
Q: What are the most effective strategies for managing powdery mildew in vineyards?
A: Regular fungicide applications, proper canopy management, and good airflow in the vineyard are effective strategies for managing powdery mildew. Compost tea and biological products are gaining attention as viable treatment options, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Q: How does sunlight and temperature impact red grape quality, and what vineyard management techniques can be used to protect clusters from excessive heat?
A: Sunlight and temperature significantly impact red grape quality by affecting the grape’s phenolic development and sugar accumulation. Techniques like canopy management can be used to protect clusters from excessive heat. Providing shade using vine leaves can help maintain a suitable microclimate for the grapes in hot climates.
Q: What innovative vineyard management techniques are being considered for regions like California that are experiencing intense heat and drought conditions?
A: Some innovative techniques include utilizing shade cloths, and considering alternative trellising systems that provide better shade to the fruiting zone. Also, the use of drought-resistant rootstocks and grape varieties are worth exploring.
Q: How different are the pest pressures in the United States?
A: Pest pressures vary significantly based on the region’s climate and local ecosystem. In the cooler regions, pests like the Grape Berry Moth and the Japanese Beetle are more prevalent, whereas in California, vineyards deal with pests like the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter and Vine Mealybug.
If you want to learn more about grape growing, check out https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu046.
