Canopy management is a critical production practice for improved sunlight exposure. Pulling shoots off the top of the rows improves sunlight exposure to the leaves at the base of the shoots. Those nodes will be the ones saved as spurs next year during pruning and sunlight improves bud fruitfulness and cane hardiness. Shoot positioning is normally started as shoots toughen enough to resist breakage and before tendrils attach tightly.
Immediate post-bloom through about 3 weeks post bloom is the most effective time for leaf removal on tight clustered varieties such as Vignoles, Seyval, and Chardonel. Removal of 3 to 5 basal leaves in the cluster zone can greatly reduce risk of bunch rots. Exposure to sun makes the berries less susceptible to disease and allows more rapid drying after rain or dew. Spray penetrate in the cluster zone is also improved. Leaf removal also improves fruit quality in aromatic varieties such as Traminette, and most red varieties, where sunlight exposure improved anthocyanin development. Delaying leaf removal increases the risk of sunburn, as does removal of too many leaves, especially on the west side of the canopy. Many growers remove leaves only on the east side (on north-south rows).
Post bloom leaf removal in the cluster zone on VSP trained vines.