Mechanization of Pruning, Canopy Management, and Harvest in Winegrape Vineyards
S. Kaan Kurtural, Matthew W. Fidelibus
Abstract
<h3>Summary</h3> <h3>Aim:</h3> In winegrape production, pruning, canopy management, and harvest are essential practices that are increasingly being done by machines. How well these practices are executed can substantially affect fruit yield and quality. Mechanization offers timeliness, uniformity, and cost benefits, but most methods available to date are nonselective and optimal execution requires careful attention to vineyard design, management, and machine settings. This review provides information to help growers make the best use of machines for these tasks. <h3>Key Themes:</h3> Vineyard design considerations Winter pruning Canopy management Harvesting <h3>Impact and Significance:</h3> The need to manage large vineyards in a contracting labor market is achievable with mechanization. This review summarizes the best practices in consideration of vineyard design, as well as operation of machines for optimal productivity for the winegrape grower. This review also provides information to help growers effectively incorporate the machines in their vineyards for consistent and economical production of winegrapes including pruning, shoot-thinning, fruit-zone leaf removal, crop load management, and mechanical harvest.