Manipulating the Postharvest Period and Its Impact on Vine Productivity of Semillon Grapevines

• DOI: 10.5344/ajev.2006.57.2.148
• Publication Date: 2022-10-11T22:02:12Z
• Authors: Bruno P. Holzapfel; Jason P. Smith; Roger M. Mandel; Markus Keller
• Keywords: Vine; Growing season

Trials were established in four Semillon hot-climate vineyards to determine the importance of postharvest period for vines grown under different cropping levels and management practices. Two sites chosen high-yielding, furrow-irrigated Riverina region, two lower-yielding, drip-irrigated neighboring Hilltops region New South Wales, Australia. Treatments imposed over consecutive seasons alter either length or effectiveness at each site. Complete defoliation harvest eliminate carbon assimilation during decreased yields by up 21% relative control after one season 50% treatment. Extending early crop removal increased 48% when fruit was retained commercial maturity third year. Vegetative growth responded similarly, vine balance not altered any Berry sugar concentration highest previously defoliated lowest with an extended period. less effective vineyards, where lower water availability may have reduced Leaf damage leaf spray applied did impact productivity. Results suggest that adequate recovery is crucial maintaining productivity high-yielding grapevines could be managed manipulate vegetative yield following season.