Yield and Quality of ‘Concord’ Grapes as Affected by Pruning Severity, Nodes Per Bearing Unit, Training System, Shoot Positioning, and Sampling Date in Arkansas1

Abstract

Abstract Retaining more fruiting nodes/vine increased yield, but reduced fruit quality in ‘Concord’ grape (Vitis labrusca L.). Geneva double curtain (GDC) training produced more fruit with better quality than a single wire cordon training system. Positioning the current season’s growth vertically toward the vineyard floor increased yields of vines pruned to short (3-node) spurs. Yield was increased by shoot positioning the season after performing the operation, however, fruit quality was improved during the season that vines were shoot positioned. Pruning vines to 6- or 9-node canes increased yield without a sacrifice of fruit quality as compared to 3-node spurs and reduced the yield increasing potential of shoot positioning. Use of longer canes, GDC training, and shoot positioning grapevines in Arkansas may allow less severe pruning than the currently recommended 30+10 pruning schedule to increase yield without a loss in fruit quality. Pruning weights were generally reduced by treatments which increased yield.