THE VINERY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19792, 12 November 1927, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE VINERY.

ESSENTIAL WORK EXPLAINED

The most important work in the vinery at the present time is tiie stopping of lateral growths, and the thinning out of the bunches of berries. The first thinning should be the cutting out and regulating of the number of bunches on each vine. This is often the hardest task the grower has to perform, and in far too many instances it is neglected to the detriment of the vines.

The number of bunches the vines should be allowed to carry will depend upon the strength and condition of the vines and the cultural treatment given. Should any doubt exists as to the vine's capabilities, give the vines the benefit rather than risk failure bv overcropping. Thinning of the berries should be commenced as soon as possible after the fruit is set. With such varieties, for instance, as black hambro, Colman, and other free-setting kinds that rarely produce any seedless berries, it is quite safe to partially thin soon after they have properly set, leaving the final thinning until the leaves have attained the size of peas. Where large quantities arc grown it is often the only means of keeping the work under control, as the berries at this time swell so rapidly that if left until they attain that size before the work is started they soon become too large to handle without risk of injury. Varieties on the other hand that are prone to produce seedless berries such as muscat of Alexander, muscat hambro and others, should bo left until such berries can be detected before thinning, or veryscant y bunches may result. As soon as the thinning is completed the vines should be again thoroughly syringed in order to cleanse the fruits and foliage of the fallen flowers.

This in fact should be done daily. Moisture is an important factor in the production of healthy growth, while a genial moist atmosphere is a deterrent to that dread pest of the grower, red spider. The stopping of the lateral growths must in no -ease be neglected. It often happens through extra pressure of work during thinning that this is allowed to fall somewhat in arrears, yet at no time is the work more important. If there has been any neglect the vines should be gone over each day, removing a little from each vine, until the work is again under control.