Content
Autumn grapes enters the final stage of the growing season and begins preparing for winter. During this period, it is important to prepare the vineyard for winter, so that it endures frosts and begins to actively develop. in the spring. Pruning grapes in the fall and shelter for the winter are mandatory stages of care.
To carry out pruning, you need to choose the right time so as not to damage the plants. The processing order varies depending on the age of the grapes. Other autumn procedures also include root system katarovka, treatment against diseases and pests.
Pruning goals
The grape pruning procedure is carried out for the following purposes:
- increased productivity;
- facilitating plant care;
- stimulating the growth of new shoots;
- rejuvenation of grapes;
- the formation of a plant, which improves its appearance;
- creating an optimal balance between the root and ground parts of the plant;
- ensuring the flow of nutrients.
Basic rules for pruning
A sharp garden pruner is required for fall pruning. The cuts are made in one stroke to get the most even surface possible. For wounds to heal faster, they must be turned towards the inside of the plant.
Trimming time
The procedure largely depends on the region where the grapes grow. With the onset of autumn, pruning is necessary in cases where the vineyard is sheltered for the winter. As a result, the plant tolerates winter cold better.
Processing is carried out at the end of October, 2 weeks after leaf fall. If the vine has suffered a few mild frosts, this will only harden it.
First, it is necessary to process varieties that are characterized by increased resistance to low temperatures. Then they move on to the rest of the landings.
Basic techniques
There are several ways to carry out pruning of grapes. The choice of technique depends on the degree of growth and the variety of plants.
- Short cut... This method has another name - "on a knot". Its purpose is to form and rejuvenate the grapes. As a result, from 2 to 4 eyes remain on the shoot. Be sure to eliminate the bends growing from the first peephole. In total, up to 40 eyes are left on the branches.
- Medium cut... After the procedure, up to 8 eyes are left on the branch, while their total number on the bush is no more than 50. Thus, frost-resistant shoots are preserved.
- Long cut... This method allows you to increase the fruiting of grapes. 15 eyes are left on each branch, and their total number should not exceed 60. Long pruning is more suitable for Asian varieties.
- Mixed media.
The most popular is blended cropping, which combines short and long techniques. Some of the branches are cut "on a twig", which contributes to the renewal of the plant. The rest of the grape shoots are pruned to increase yields.
Pruning according to the age of the grapes
The order of the procedure varies depending on the age of the plant:
- Preparation of seedlings. In the first year after planting the grapes, it is important to form two vines.... We cut off the shoots at a height of 40 to 60 cm. Then the plantings are pinned to the ground and covered.
- Pruning a 2-year-old bush... In the second year, up to 6 new grape shoots are formed. They formed on the branches left behind in the past year.On each of them, 2 or 3 kidneys are left.
- Processing an adult bush.
Pruning grapes aged 3 years or more is carried out in the following order:
- After picking the berries, the plant is cleaned of weak shoots and tops that interfere with its development.
- In early September, on perennial branches, it is necessary to eliminate young shoots that have not grown to a wire located at a distance of 0.5 m above the ground.
- Shoots that have outgrown the second wire (it is placed 30 cm higher than the first) are cut by 10% of the total length. Also, side branches are eliminated.
- In mid-October, the two most developed branches are selected on each branch of grapes, the length of which reaches the first two wires.
- The lower branch growing on the outer part of the sleeve is cut to leave 4 eyes. Thus, a replacement knot is formed.
- The shoot, located on the opposite side and above, must be cut off, leaving 5-12 eyes. This branch is called the fruit arrow.
As a result, the most powerful branches and arms remain, from which new vines are formed in spring.
Another step in the procedure is the elimination of unnecessary mustache. With their help, grapes are consolidated and developed. If the plant is tied up, it is better to trim the mustache. However, it is better to direct them correctly so that the vine wraps around an arch or a gazebo.
Other autumn procedures
Before hiding the grapes, you need to perform other procedures. In the autumn, the catarovka of the root system, watering and processing of the plant is carried out. After that, the plantings are covered for the winter.
Catarovka roots
Katarovka allows you to destroy the roots of grapes that are on the surface of the earth. They do not perform important functions and only take away the strength of the plant.
To eliminate excess roots under the stem, a ditch is dug to a depth of 20 cm. The branches located above the main rhizome are removed.
Sections are disinfected with a solution of copper sulfate. Then the pit is covered with sand, and the bush is spud and watered with warm water.
Pest control
A number of preventive measures are taken to protect the vineyard from diseases and pests. Under the bark of the shoots, larvae of pests and fungal spores are often found. Their activity begins in the spring.
The most effective remedy is a solution of copper sulfate. A bucket of water requires 0.1 kg of substance. The consumption of funds is 2 liters for each bush.
For the processing of grapes, special preparations are used: "Topaz", "Ridomil", "Avixil". To obtain a working solution, they are diluted with water in the ratio indicated in the instructions.
Shelter
After pruning, you need to cover the grapes. Trenches need to be dug along the plantings, after which the vine is tied up and laid in them. From above, the plants are covered with earth with a layer of 15 cm. The soil must be slightly moistened to avoid freezing. This technique is suitable for regions where there are no severe frosts.
Additionally the vineyard is sheltered foil, straw, thick cloth or slate. There should be a snow cover over the grapes, protecting the plants from freezing. To prevent the snow cover from being blown away by the wind, it is necessary to put up shields. In the spring they are harvested, and the earth is thrown away so that the plant can dry out.
Conclusion
Pruning and sheltering are essential steps in vineyard maintenance. Such procedures protect plantings from winter frosts, rejuvenate the vine and increase yields. The pruning order varies with the age of the grapes. Be sure to remove the roots that are selected on the surface of the earth. To protect plantings from pests and diseases, they are treated with special preparations.
