Grapevine leaf removal – Facts for Fancy Fruit

Grapevine leaf removal

Now is the time to start thinking about leaf removal in grapevines. Cluster zone leaf removal can lower risk of disease, increase spray penetration and even improve fruit quality. The period immediately after bloom to 3 weeks post-bloom is the most effective time for leaf removal. Leaf pulling after this time can increase the risk of sunburn, especially on the west side of the canopy. Many growers only leaf pull on the east side of the canopy (on north-south rows) to avoid this. The removal of the basal 3-5 leaves in the cluster zone can reduce the risk of bunch rots, especially in tight clustered varieties such as Vignoles, Seyval and Chardonel. Increasing sun makes the berries less susceptible to disease and allows for rapid drying after rain or dew. Leaf removal can also improve fruit quality in aromatic varieties, such as Traminette, and can improve anthocyanin development in red varieties.

In high cordon-trained systems, pulling shoots off the tops of the rows can also help improve sunlight exposure to the leaves at the base of the shoots. These basal nodes will be retained at pruning and will provide next year’s crop; increasing sun exposure has been shown to improve bud fruitfulness as well as cane hardiness. Shoot positioning can help achieve these goals as well and may need to be done multiple times throughout the season.

Post-bloom leaf removal in the cluster zone on VSP-trained vines

 

Share This Article
It is the policy of the Purdue University that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue is an Affirmative Action Institution. This material may be available in alternative formats. 1-888-EXT-INFO Disclaimer: Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.