Arched cane results.
Back in late August I posted explaining why it was important to wrap the canes in the Viognier block in an arched cinfiguration, that is not flat along the fruiting wire. I will explain and show you the results - please read on.
Firstly bud burst occurred in early September and was accompanied by some very wet weather. The first eight days of the month resulted in excess of 70mm of rain. From then until the end of the month a further 100mm fell with all but two days recording rainfall. September has been the second wettest month this year. Generally conditions were cool to cold and I am reasoning that ground temperatures remained very cold, impacting significantly on the rate of growth of the new shoots.
Generally across the region budburst has been early, however shoot growth has been slowed by the weather conditions during Septemer. I have noticed in cane pruned vines that while most buds burst early a number have failed to progress because once checked in their emergence they do seem to continue on as a strong shoot. I am not sure as to the reasons here.
What happend in the Viognier? Did the arch canes work?
As you can see above, both canes have shoots in a hit and miss fashion along their length. Some success was achieved in getting the top of the arch to throw some shoots. There are still sections with dormant buds. I must point out that this was not very common as you will see below.
Here there is a more even number of shoots along the canes and more importantly around the middle section which is the arched portion. This means that the percentage of buds bursting has been improved and an initial glance shows that the potential yield should be improved as well, and that’s the important thing. Vineman needs more Viognier fruit!
Generally, the block looks the best it has for some seasons, shoots are now starting to grow well and here’s hoping for some kind weather with sunshine and warmth particularly as we move towards flowering.
Vineman
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