Project title
An investigation into the effect of alternative pruning methods on
the yield and quality of wine grapes

Project leader
Archer, E

Institution
Distell ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij

Team members
Van Schalkwyk, D

Project description
Three different trials, at three different localities, each with different growing conditions, were conducted with nine different wine wine varieties. Four different pruning methods, hand, mechanical, minimal and no pruning were tested. Growth responses, grape composition and morphology, wine quality as well as labour inputs were evaluated. Huge labour savings were obtained with the alternative pruning methods compared to hand pruning. A reduction in vigour and increase in yield were evident in each variety. Wine quality was not decreased and in some cases even a quality increase was evident. Varieties differ in their adaptability to alternative pruning methods with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Chardonnay performing well and Sauvignon blanc and Merlot poorly. Chenin blanc, Shiraz, Colombar and Ruby Cabernet showed acceptable performance. Alternative pruning methods proved to be viable, especially for the production of medium and low priced wines.

Presentation(s)
1.  Van Schalkwyk, D and Archer, E. 2000. A preliminary report on the effect of pruning methods on the labour costs, grape and wine quality of Cabernet Sauvignon. 2nd International Congress of the South African Society of Enology and Viticulture, 8 - 10 November, Cape Town, South Africa.
2. Archer, E, Hunter, J J and Van Schalkwyk, D. 2001. Grapevine compensating reactions as induced by alternative pruning methods. VII Congreso Latinoamericano de Viticulttura y Enologia, 12-16 November, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Final report
http://www.sawislibrary.co.za/dbtextimages/FinalReport132.pdf

Archer, E, Van Schalkwyk, D. 1998. Die omskakeling van die prieelstelsel sowel as wingerdstokke vir meganiese snoei van wyndruiwe. Wynboer. Mnth Jan p. T10-11

Article

Archer, E, Van Schalkwyk, D. 1999. Meganisering van snoei by wingerd: Vereistes gestel aan die wingerd en reaksie van die wingerdstok. Wynboer. Mnth Apr n. 117 p. T46-T48

Archer, E, Van Schalkwyk, D. 2007. The effect of alternative pruning methods on the viticultural and oenological performance of some wine grape varieties. South African Journal of Enology + Viticulture. v. 28 n. 2 p. 107-139

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