Postponing First Shoot Topping Reduces Grape Cluster Compactness and Delays Bunch Rot Epidemic

• DOI: 10.5344/ajev.2014.14052
• Publication Date: 2014-12-13T04:37:21Z
• Authors: Daniel Molitor; Nicole Baron; Timo Sauerwein; Christelle M. André; Anna Kicherer; Johanna Döring; Manfred Stoll; Marco Beyer; Lucien Hoffmann; Danièle Evers
• Keywords: Topping

Field trials investigating the impact of timing first shoot topping in a vertical positioning (VSP) trellis system on (i) cluster morphology, (ii) canopy structure cluster-zone, and (iii) progress bunch rot disease severity, were conducted two white <i>Vitis vinifera</i> (Pinot gris, Riesling) cultivars years 2012 2013 Luxembourg. The was carried out at seven different times from one week prior to beginning flowering (BBCH 57) four weeks after end 75–79) approximately weekly intervals. Late reduced compactness, delayed epidemics, thereby prolonged potential ripening period compared standard treatment, which performed postbloom. First postbloom moment when 5% severity reached up eleven days increased total soluble solids by 0.77 2.24 Brix with no significant yield. Postponing latest technically possible is recommended improve grape architecture health as well optimize maturity wine quality under cool climate conditions. can be implemented control strategies without imposing additional costs might support reduction pesticide use.