Each gardener plants several grape seedlings on his plot. But to obtain a bountiful harvest, it is necessary to carry out regular procedures. One of them is pinching grapes. It is easy to acquire knowledge of conducting. The main thing is to understand why and at what time to carry out the operation, how stepsons affect the productivity of the plant.
Pros and cons of stepsoning
After the beginning of the growing season, secondary shoots grow from the main shoot. Experts evaluate secondary shoots differently, highlighting not only positive aspects, but also negative ones.
Pros:
- the green mass of plantings increases, due to which photosynthesis processes are enhanced, and nutrition becomes better;
- young leaves convert solar energy and carbon dioxide into useful substances;
- on the side branches the leaves develop later - this is a good replacement for the old foliage of the main vine.
The presence of stepsons helps to nourish the grape bunches during the ripening process. With proper care, productivity increases significantly.
Minuses:
- If growth is left unchecked, the bush will become too dense. Ventilation will be disrupted, and as a result, the plant will be affected by fungal diseases.
- Each branch wants to take the maximum space necessary for good growth. Therefore, the main vine will receive less nutrition, which is necessary for the formation of a crop.
- A well-developed branch of the second row significantly inhibits the processes of fruit ripening.
- A large volume of leaves provokes shading of the fruit. Photosynthesis and ripening of berries are disrupted.
Therefore, pinching shoots is a necessary procedure.
Why is this necessary?
The escape of the second row is the stepson. It grows in the leaf axil. The branches begin to grow in June and take a significant part of the nutrients. The stepson grows faster than the fruitful shoot.
If you ignore trimming, then:
- the berries will be small;
- fungal diseases will develop;
- The felt mite will settle on young foliage.
Removing stepchildren stimulates vertical growth of plantings.
Timing of the procedure
Summer pruning helps increase the quality and volume of the harvest. Pruning begins in June. Remove new growth and tie up the vine. Inspect the shoots and roots. Parts that are frozen in winter are painted white and must be removed.
Grape planting in July is carried out after flowering. In combination with fertilizing, the quality and volume of berries will increase.
Overgrowth of stepsons provokes the loss of half the harvest. When the shoots are completely removed, a third of the fruit is lost. To preserve and increase productivity, two leaves are left on the stepson.
Stepson rules
Before you begin the procedure, you will need to figure out how to properly stepchild.
The process is divided into stages:
- Pinching. Carry out before the vines flower. The procedure is easy; it is performed with two fingers, pinching the upper part of the young shoot. Length 10 centimeters to the initial part of the woody vine. This manipulation slows down the growth of shoots. The result is that the forces intended for young branches go to the inflorescences. This stage helps to increase fruiting.
- Stepson pruning. Carried out after flowering. The stepsons of grapes are lateral processes. You cannot cut them down to the ground. The bush develops quickly, and after a few days new shoots grow from the cuts. Cut at a distance of two centimeters from the first leaf. After the procedure, the plantings are regularly inspected. New shoots are cut off.
- Coinage. The method is similar to pinching. The main difference is that the area with the top of the shoots is deeply removed. Conducted at the end of the summer season. This method ensures rapid ripening of berries. When minting, 14 leaves are left on the shoot. This amount will ensure normal life activity and will not impair fruiting. The procedure is performed with bare hands.
- Lightening. This is the removal of some leaves on fruit-bearing plantings. This provides the necessary ventilation. Performed at the moment of fruit ripening. At the discretion of gardeners, this can be done at any time. Leaves should not be left at the roots.Bacteria accumulate in this part and attack the roots. As a result, the vine dies.
When removing stepsons with pruning shears, pre-treat the tool with hydrogen peroxide. If you figure out how to remove shoots correctly, a vine will form and the quality of the fruit will improve. Pruning will improve yields and reduce the risk of disease.
It is recommended to pluck the foliage around the fruit three weeks before the berries are technically ripe. This will increase the sugar content and speed up the ripening process. If the leaves are completely removed, the plant will not receive the necessary nutrition and will slow down ripening. Therefore, all processes of bush formation are approached responsibly.
