Pruning Systems For Grapes
Because grapes are vines, they are generally trained in cultivation to allow better access to the fruits and to allow more sun to penetrate the plant. We prefer to prune the grapes in November, once the leaves have fallen. You can see the vines and they do not bleed as they do in spring.
Below are some of the many systems that have been developed.
Kniffen System
A single vine is trained upward the first year. Laterals are then allowed to grow only at the intersections of the wires, (in most cases 2 or 3 wires). After bearing these are removed and another set of laterals is tied to the wires.
Cordon System
Used mostly in Europe for vinifera type grapes. Two main limbs are trained horizontally, then verticals are chosen each year from the spurs along the main limbs.
Variations
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| Total Bow Bend | Pendulum | Quarter Bend |
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