Experimental trials on training and pruning systems on Merlot vines in Ticino, Switzerland. Agronomic response and wine quality | Essai de conduite et de taille sur Merlot au Tessin. Comportement agronomique et qualite des vins
2005
Murisier, F. | Ferretti, M. | Zufferey, V. (Agroscope RAC Changins, Station federale de recherches agronomiques, Nyon (Switzerland))
Between 1997 and 2003, experimental trials on training and pruning systems of Merlot vines were made on the Gudo experimental estate of Agroscope RAC Changins in Ticino, Switzerland. Four different systems of training and pruning were compared: permanent cordonsingle Guyot-trained hedgerow with one fruit canedouble Guyot with two fruit canes and double Guyot arch with partial fastening of branches. In the first two systems, vine plants distance was 95 cm and in the double Guyot systems 135 cm. Agronomic, analytical and organoleptic parameters were monitored. Comparative vinifications were carried out during the last four years of experiments. The cordon pruning system improved budbreak rates and favoured a regular growth of shoots. Plant vigor, a phenomenon appreciated by the weight of toppings and pruned branches, was noticeably strengthened. Conversely, bud fertility and, consequently, levels of yield were lower in the cordon pruning system. This decrease in production, certainly due to the induced plant vigor, prevented any improvement in must sugar content and wine quality. Plant spacing distances had no obvious effects. The double arched Guyot-trained system with open vegetation facing down slopes tended to bring about improved yield and wine quality, with regard to both tannin content and global impression.
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