Training systems in vineyards have a significant impact on vineyard management decisions. Different training systems affect factors such as canopy management, disease control, labor requirements, and ultimately, grape quality. Let’s delve into how various training systems influence vineyard management decisions.
Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP)
Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) is a widely used training system that involves training vines to grow upward along a trellis system. VSP impacts vineyard management decisions in the following ways:
- VSP allows for better sunlight exposure and air circulation, which can improve grape quality and reduce disease pressure.
- Canopy management in VSP systems requires regular shoot positioning and thinning to maintain the desired canopy structure.
- VSP can be labor-intensive, as it requires frequent vineyard visits for shoot positioning and canopy management.
- The trellis system used in VSP can impact vineyard layout and planting density decisions.
Scott Henry
The Scott Henry training system is a split canopy system that divides the canopy into two layers, with one layer trained upward and the other downward. Here’s how the Scott Henry system influences vineyard management decisions:
- Scott Henry can help manage vine vigor by balancing the distribution of fruiting wood and shoots between the two canopy layers.
- Canopy management in Scott Henry systems involves pruning to maintain the split canopy structure, which can impact labor requirements.
- This system may require additional trellis infrastructure to support the split canopy, affecting vineyard layout and setup decisions.
Geneva Double Curtain (GDC)
The Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) system is a high-density system that involves training two canopies on each side of the vine. GDC influences vineyard management decisions in the following ways:
- GDC can increase vineyard yields by maximizing sunlight exposure and fruiting potential.
- Canopy management in GDC systems involves shoot thinning and positioning to maintain the two curtains, impacting labor requirements.
- GDC requires specific trellis systems to support the dual canopy structure, influencing vineyard layout decisions.
Smart Dyson
The Smart Dyson system is a variation of the GDC system that aims to improve canopy management efficiency. Here’s how the Smart Dyson system impacts vineyard management decisions:
- Smart Dyson can help reduce labor costs by simplifying canopy management practices, such as shoot positioning and thinning.
- This system requires specific training techniques to achieve the desired canopy shape, which can impact training and pruning decisions.
- The trellis system used in Smart Dyson may differ from traditional systems, influencing vineyard setup and infrastructure decisions.