IN THE VINERY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20112, 24 November 1928, Page 5 (Supplement)

IN THE VINERY.

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS. Tho present month is always a very busy ono with the grape-growers, moro especially in tho case of thoso with lato vines Development is very rapid, and not only must tho lateral growths be controlled, but also thinning out of the berries requires persistent attention. Thoso aro tedious operations which cannot bo hurried, as special care is required in tho

work. When growth is rapid the control of superfluous lateral growth appears to bo an almost endless task, but it is of such importance that it must on no account bo neglected. With tho setting of the berries tlio work of the grower is increased. The berries swell rapidly, so that thinning cannot be delayed. By keeping tho lateral growths under control tho strength of tho vines is directed to the development of the berries. If, on the other hand, tho stopping is neglected and superfluous growths are allowed to accumulate, tho development of tho berries is checked through the loss of sap that results when a quantity of 1 growth has to bo removed at ono time. THE TIME TO THIN. Thinning should bo commenced as soon as possible after tho fruit has set. With such varieties a.i Black Ham burgh, Col men, and other free-set* ing kinds which produce few, if any, seedless berries, it is perfectly safo to partially thin soon after tho fruit has properly sot, leaving,tho final thinning until tho berries liavo attained tho sizo of peas. Where largo quantities are grown, this is the only means of keeping tho work under control, as tho berries swell so rapidly th.it if left until they attain any size bcluro thinning is commenced, the work cannot ho done without risk of injury. Varieties, on tho other hand, that are pi one to produce seedless berries, should bo loft until such berries can be detected before finally thinning, or scanty burfthes of ftiiit may result. One important thing should always bo borrio in mind when thinning: Vines can carry and perfect only a certain number of bunches, and to exceed this will almost certainly result ill failure. Most vines that arc in a healthy condition produce far moro bunches than they can possibly develop, and in reducing tho number of bunches it is always safer to leuvH too few than too many. CORRECT TEMPERATURE. tjomo varieties, 100, set much more freely than do others, while somo produce extra large berries and need considerably moro thinning than do smailer-growing kinds. Tho operator, therefore, needs to hayo some knowledge of the varieties and their requirements. As soon as tho thinning is completed syringing tho vines should bo resumed. A genial, moist temperature should bo maintained throughout tho whole growing season. This will not only encourage tho vine to make healthy, vigorous growth, but it will also assist to keep red spider and other pests under control. Damping the floor of the house occasionally during tho day will assist to maintain a moist temperature. To assist in retaining moisture at tho roots tho borders should receivo a good mulching with stable manure or other suitable material. Mulching assists to arrest evaporation and encourages tho roots to come to the surface. Vines never thrive so well as when tho Burface of tho borders is well furnished with healthy roots, and the berries rarely foil to colour and ripen when tho vines are in such a condition*