WORK IN THE VINERY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 7 (Supplement)

WORK IN THE VINERY

THE PRUNING SEASON With the exception of a few of the latest varieties, most grape vines will now have sufficiently ripened their wood to allow of their being pruned with safety. In every case the best time to prune, whether it be early or late varieties, is as soon as possible after the leaves have fallen through the natural return of the sap, as there is then no danger of the vines bleeding. Lt may not be always necessary to wait until every leaf has fallen, as a few may sometimes adhere to the vines after the sap has returned. It is, however, of the greatest importance that the wood is tnoroughly ripened before the pruning is done, for almost every successful grape grower knows that the best and most perfect bunches of fruit are always formed upon the most perfectly ripened wood. Where a number of varieties are grown, early, intermediate and late, in the same house, great care is naturally required in pruning, as some may be ready some weeks before others are suffficiently dormant. Each variety, however, should be pruned as soon as they are ready, as the later the earlier varieties are left before pruning the shorter season of rest the vines have before the sap again becomes active. No definite rule for pruning can be laid down, as different methods of training need different treatment. The method of trailing, however, usually adopted with vines under glass is the single rod and spur system, and with these the pruning consists in cutting the laterals back to two of the strongest buds at the base of each lateral, except where the main cane is only of one year’s growth. In such cases, the lateral requires to be cut back to the main cane, as the buds the first season are formed on the main cane. On strong, healthy laterals, one strong promising bud may be sufficient, though are always preferable, as one can always be removed or shortened back after the strongest and most promising lateral showing fruit is secured. With one body only, there is always a risk of its being broken when being handled or tied up to the trellis, even though the greatest care may be exercised in the operation. After pruning is completed every effort should be made to rid the house of insect pests. All cuttings, leaves, or other debris, in which insects could secrete, should be gathered up and burnt. The whole of the trellis, as well ast the woodwork, should be thoroughly spray c<l or washed over with insectiside.