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FNE09-662 FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Grant Better Wine Grape Quality Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Training and Canopy Management Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

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Page 1: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

FNE09-662FNE09-6622009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant

Better Wine Grape Quality using Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Combined Vine Training and

Canopy ManagementCanopy Management

Richard LamoyRichard Lamoy

Page 2: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

The ProblemThe Problem

Up until recent years there were few wine grape Up until recent years there were few wine grape varieties available to withstand our cold Northeast varieties available to withstand our cold Northeast climate that were capable of making good wine. climate that were capable of making good wine. With the development of cold hardy hybrid wine With the development of cold hardy hybrid wine grape varieties that has changed. The Northeast grape varieties that has changed. The Northeast has been seeing increasing interest in growing has been seeing increasing interest in growing these hybrid wine grapes, but the quality of the these hybrid wine grapes, but the quality of the grapes grown has typically been low. The wine grapes grown has typically been low. The wine made from the low quality grapes along with low made from the low quality grapes along with low yields has discouraged growers from expanding yields has discouraged growers from expanding and stalled development of a viable wine industry. and stalled development of a viable wine industry.

Page 3: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

What can be done?What can be done?

Improved quality and yield of select cold hardy hybrid Improved quality and yield of select cold hardy hybrid grapes could help spur further development of the wine grapes could help spur further development of the wine grape industry in the Northeast. It is a common belief that grape industry in the Northeast. It is a common belief that using present grape varieties that yields and quality are too using present grape varieties that yields and quality are too low for making a good wine economically. Through low for making a good wine economically. Through selecting a properly matched training method and canopy selecting a properly matched training method and canopy management system the quality may be improved and help management system the quality may be improved and help dispel the notion that you can’t make good wine from the dispel the notion that you can’t make good wine from the grapes grown in the region. I will be measuring differences grapes grown in the region. I will be measuring differences between systems for quality, quantity and labor involved so between systems for quality, quantity and labor involved so that a profitable crop of wine grapes may be harvested and that a profitable crop of wine grapes may be harvested and turned into more valuable product in the form of quality turned into more valuable product in the form of quality wine.wine.

Page 4: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Implementation of ProjectImplementation of Project

The purpose of my project is to study the feasibility of increasing yield The purpose of my project is to study the feasibility of increasing yield and quality of cold hardy hybrid wine grapes through a system of and quality of cold hardy hybrid wine grapes through a system of training methods and canopy management for the varieties grown. training methods and canopy management for the varieties grown. This will utilize hybrid wine grape varieties well suited to the Northeast. This will utilize hybrid wine grape varieties well suited to the Northeast. The project will use the existing vineyard on the farm for the study. The project will use the existing vineyard on the farm for the study. Two training methods will be used for each variety and the existing Two training methods will be used for each variety and the existing trellising adjusted to accommodate those methods for three (3) trellising adjusted to accommodate those methods for three (3) varieties (Frontenac, Leon Millot and LaCrosse). The first two varieties varieties (Frontenac, Leon Millot and LaCrosse). The first two varieties will be trained to both a Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) and a 4-Arm will be trained to both a Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) and a 4-Arm Kniffen system. LaCrosse will be trained to 4-Arm Kniffen and Top Kniffen system. LaCrosse will be trained to 4-Arm Kniffen and Top Wire Cordon (TWC).Within those rows each training method will Wire Cordon (TWC).Within those rows each training method will include 3 panels of four vines each to compare three canopy include 3 panels of four vines each to compare three canopy management styles. Those managements will include Shoot Thinning, management styles. Those managements will include Shoot Thinning, Cluster Thinning and a Check. This will include 24 vines of each of Cluster Thinning and a Check. This will include 24 vines of each of three varieties for a total of 72 vines in the study.three varieties for a total of 72 vines in the study.

Page 5: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Summary of the Systems-Summary of the Systems-

4-Arm Kniffen Training with cluster thinning and leaf pulling4-Arm Kniffen Training with cluster thinning and leaf pulling 4-Arm Kniffen Training with shoot thinning and leaf pulling4-Arm Kniffen Training with shoot thinning and leaf pulling 4-Arm Kniffen Training with leaf pulling only (Check)4-Arm Kniffen Training with leaf pulling only (Check)

VSP with cluster thinning and leaf pullingVSP with cluster thinning and leaf pulling VSP with shoot thinning and leaf pullingVSP with shoot thinning and leaf pulling VSP with leaf pulling only (Check)VSP with leaf pulling only (Check)

TWC with cluster thinning and leaf pulling (LaCrosse Only)TWC with cluster thinning and leaf pulling (LaCrosse Only) TWC with shoot thinning and leaf pulling (LaCrosse Only)TWC with shoot thinning and leaf pulling (LaCrosse Only) TWC with leaf pulling only (Check) (LaCrosse Only)TWC with leaf pulling only (Check) (LaCrosse Only)

Page 6: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Summary of Training Systems UsedSummary of Training Systems Used 4-Arm Kniffen4-Arm Kniffen This is one of the most popular training This is one of the most popular training

systems for grapes. It gives good systems for grapes. It gives good production, requires little summer pruning, production, requires little summer pruning, and is adapted to moderately vigorous and is adapted to moderately vigorous cultivars. The trellis consists of two wires.cultivars. The trellis consists of two wires.After the shoot reaches the top of the trellis, After the shoot reaches the top of the trellis, cut the tip off and tie the cane to the top cut the tip off and tie the cane to the top wire. wire.

Page 7: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

4-Arm Kniffen4-Arm Kniffen

Page 8: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

4-Arm Kniffen4-Arm Kniffen

Page 9: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning)VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning)

In the VSP System, bilateral cordons are established along In the VSP System, bilateral cordons are established along a fruiting wire set at about 32-36 inches from the ground. a fruiting wire set at about 32-36 inches from the ground. Either single trunk or double trunk systems may be used. Either single trunk or double trunk systems may be used. When the trunk is of sufficient size, usually the second When the trunk is of sufficient size, usually the second year, it is cut slightly below the fruiting wire early in the year, it is cut slightly below the fruiting wire early in the season forcing laterals to grow below the wire arching up season forcing laterals to grow below the wire arching up slightly. One is trained each direction to begin formation of slightly. One is trained each direction to begin formation of the semi-permanent cordons.the semi-permanent cordons.

The laterals which form off the cordon are allowed to grow The laterals which form off the cordon are allowed to grow the first year of cordon growth. They are trained upwards the first year of cordon growth. They are trained upwards through a couple sets of double catch wires.through a couple sets of double catch wires.

Page 10: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning)VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning)

Page 11: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning)VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning)

Page 12: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

TWC (Top Wire Cordon)TWC (Top Wire Cordon)

In the TWC System, bilateral cordons are established In the TWC System, bilateral cordons are established along a fruiting wire set at about 66-72 inches from the along a fruiting wire set at about 66-72 inches from the ground. Either single trunk or double trunk systems may be ground. Either single trunk or double trunk systems may be used. When the trunk is of sufficient size, usually the used. When the trunk is of sufficient size, usually the second year, it is cut slightly below the fruiting wire early in second year, it is cut slightly below the fruiting wire early in the season forcing laterals to grow below the wire arching the season forcing laterals to grow below the wire arching up slightly. One is trained each direction to begin formation up slightly. One is trained each direction to begin formation of the semi-permanent cordons.of the semi-permanent cordons.

The laterals which form off the cordon are allowed to grow The laterals which form off the cordon are allowed to grow the first year of cordon growth. They are allowed to droop the first year of cordon growth. They are allowed to droop downwards and may be assisted if need be by bending downwards and may be assisted if need be by bending slightly when a couple feet long.slightly when a couple feet long.

Page 13: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

TWC (Top Wire Cordon)TWC (Top Wire Cordon)

Page 14: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

TWC (Top Wire Cordon)TWC (Top Wire Cordon)

Page 15: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

TWC (Top Wire Cordon)TWC (Top Wire Cordon)

Page 16: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Canopy Management SummaryCanopy Management Summary

There are two canopy management techniques being There are two canopy management techniques being implemented in this study project along with a check implemented in this study project along with a check system. They are Shoot Thinning, Cluster Thinning and the system. They are Shoot Thinning, Cluster Thinning and the Check. In order to see what may provide the best wine Check. In order to see what may provide the best wine grape harvest numbers I am shooting for a harvest weight grape harvest numbers I am shooting for a harvest weight of between three and 5 tons per acre equivalent. In order of between three and 5 tons per acre equivalent. In order to attain those numbers either Shoot Thinning or Cluster to attain those numbers either Shoot Thinning or Cluster Thinning will be used. Both of those will also receive leaf Thinning will be used. Both of those will also receive leaf pulling to open up the canopy to air movement and also pulling to open up the canopy to air movement and also trimming off excessively long shoots – either skirting or trimming off excessively long shoots – either skirting or hedging. The check will not be thinned, but will receive the hedging. The check will not be thinned, but will receive the leaf pulling and canopy trimming as per the other leaf pulling and canopy trimming as per the other treatments.treatments.

Page 17: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Shoot ThinningShoot Thinning

The Shoot Thinning utilizes a systematic removal of some of the The Shoot Thinning utilizes a systematic removal of some of the shoots to attain the desired number of clusters per vine. This is shoots to attain the desired number of clusters per vine. This is determined by using the average number of clusters per shoot with no determined by using the average number of clusters per shoot with no more than 2 clusters per shoot left on it. This is multiplied by the more than 2 clusters per shoot left on it. This is multiplied by the average weight of that variety’s clusters.average weight of that variety’s clusters.

Example: Desired weight per vine = 15 poundsExample: Desired weight per vine = 15 pounds 1.5 clusters per shoot for Variety A and there are 3 clusters per pound. I 1.5 clusters per shoot for Variety A and there are 3 clusters per pound. I

would need to leave 45 clusters on that vine, so I would need to leave would need to leave 45 clusters on that vine, so I would need to leave a total of about 30 shoots on that vine. If the vines are7 feet apart, then a total of about 30 shoots on that vine. If the vines are7 feet apart, then for a single cordon system like VSP or TWC, I would leave a bit over 4 for a single cordon system like VSP or TWC, I would leave a bit over 4 shoots per foot.shoots per foot.

By using Shoot Thinning, it is hoped to improve air movement by By using Shoot Thinning, it is hoped to improve air movement by opening up the canopy some. It also gets to the desired number of opening up the canopy some. It also gets to the desired number of clusters to attain the desired harvest weight for improving quality.clusters to attain the desired harvest weight for improving quality.

Page 18: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Cluster ThinningCluster Thinning

Cluster thinning involves the removal of excessive clusters Cluster thinning involves the removal of excessive clusters over the amount needed to attain the desired harvest goal. over the amount needed to attain the desired harvest goal. Using the above example the calculation is as before, Using the above example the calculation is as before, except you don’t remove shoots to get to the target except you don’t remove shoots to get to the target number, you remove individual clusters. In that example, number, you remove individual clusters. In that example, 45 clusters is needed for the yield weight. Remove enough 45 clusters is needed for the yield weight. Remove enough clusters to get to that goal. This allows for the selective clusters to get to that goal. This allows for the selective removal of smaller or deformed clusters and may lead to removal of smaller or deformed clusters and may lead to improved quality. That advantage may be offset by not improved quality. That advantage may be offset by not removing any of the shoots, so the canopy may be thicker removing any of the shoots, so the canopy may be thicker and less open to air movement.and less open to air movement.

Page 19: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Check TreatmentCheck Treatment

The check gets no thinning of clusters or The check gets no thinning of clusters or shoot removal. The canopy is kept as open shoot removal. The canopy is kept as open as the other two treatments by removing as the other two treatments by removing some leaves and hedging and skirting the some leaves and hedging and skirting the vines. This allows for a comparison of vines. This allows for a comparison of harvest parameters to see how the thinning harvest parameters to see how the thinning treatments affect quality treatments affect quality

Page 20: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Early Season Growth-FrontenacEarly Season Growth-Frontenac

Frontenac VSP Left SideFrontenac VSP Left Side

Frontenac-4-AK Right sideFrontenac-4-AK Right side

Page 21: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Early Season Growth-Leon MillotEarly Season Growth-Leon Millot Leon Millot VSP Leon Millot VSP

Leon Millot 4-Arm KniffenLeon Millot 4-Arm Kniffen

Page 22: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Early Season Growth- LaCrosseEarly Season Growth- LaCrosse LaCrosse TWC LaCrosse TWC

LaCrosse 4-Arm KniffenLaCrosse 4-Arm Kniffen

Page 23: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Growth at Bloom-FrontenacGrowth at Bloom-Frontenac Frontenac VSPFrontenac VSP

Frontenac-4-AKFrontenac-4-AK

Page 24: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Growth at Bloom -Leon MillotGrowth at Bloom -Leon Millot Leon Millot VSP Leon Millot VSP

Leon Millot 4-Arm KniffenLeon Millot 4-Arm Kniffen

Page 25: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Growth at Bloom - LaCrosseGrowth at Bloom - LaCrosse LaCrosse TWC LaCrosse TWC

LaCrosse 4-Arm KniffenLaCrosse 4-Arm Kniffen

Page 26: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Mid-Summer - FrontenacMid-Summer - Frontenac Frontenac VSPFrontenac VSP

Frontenac-4-AKFrontenac-4-AK

Page 27: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Mid-Summer - Leon MillotMid-Summer - Leon Millot Leon Millot VSP Leon Millot VSP

Leon Millot 4-Arm KniffenLeon Millot 4-Arm Kniffen

Page 28: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Mid-Summer - LaCrosseMid-Summer - LaCrosse LaCrosse TWC LaCrosse TWC

LaCrosse 4-Arm KniffenLaCrosse 4-Arm Kniffen

Page 29: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Developing TrendsDeveloping Trends

Shoot thinned canopies are “looking” more Shoot thinned canopies are “looking” more open than cluster thinned and check. This is open than cluster thinned and check. This is in all training systems.in all training systems.

4-Arm Kniffen is requiring much less 4-Arm Kniffen is requiring much less maintenance time- both in pruning and maintenance time- both in pruning and tucking and combing.tucking and combing.

Page 30: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

Pruning ComparisonsPruning ComparisonsFrontenacFrontenac VSP Canopy TrimmingsVSP Canopy Trimmings

4-Arm Kniffen Trimmings4-Arm Kniffen Trimmings

Page 31: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

ConclusionsConclusions

It is too early in the trial to draw conclusions. It is too early in the trial to draw conclusions. The comparisons are being documented The comparisons are being documented along the way.along the way.

Soon the grapes will be tested and Soon the grapes will be tested and compared for ripeness with the differing compared for ripeness with the differing systems.systems.

At harvest the final test results will be At harvest the final test results will be compared as will the yields.compared as will the yields.

Page 32: FNE09-662 2009 Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management Richard Lamoy Richard Lamoy

The EndThe End