Phenological and productive aspects of grape varieties subjected to two pruning seasons in Vale do Rio do Peixe, SC

Abstract

Abstract: Pruning of grape varieties for processing typically occurs in winter. However, due to challenges in availability and labor costs, there is interest in shifting this practice to autumn—a period with lower demand for vineyard activities. This study aimed to assess the direct influence of autumn pruning on the phenological and productive performance of Niágara Rosada, Isabel Precoce, and Bordô varieties in the Vale do Rio do Peixe region, SC. Experiments were conducted during the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 harvests in fully productive commercial vineyards located in Videira-SC. Pruning occurred in May (autumn) and August (winter). Autumn pruning took place when approximately 5% of the leaves had fallen, and the rest had turned yellow. Winter pruning occurred during the bud swelling stage. Weekly phenological monitoring, as well as measurement of the plants’ productive characteristics and the physical-chemical composition of the grapes, were conducted. Autumn pruning enhanced the productivity, average bunch weight, and uniformity of maturation for Niagara Rosada but accelerated the bud break for this variety in Vale do Rio do Peixe, SC, Brazil. In Bordô, autumn pruning did not affect productivity, but it advanced bud break. Conducting autumn pruning for four consecutive years decreased the productivity of Isabel Precoce.

Keywords

• Vitis labrusca
• early pruning
• phenology
• quality