Viticulture

Viticulture
Viticulture is the part of horticulture that deals solely with the growing of Vitis, the grapevine. Vitis Euvitis (bunch grape) Vitis Muscadine

There are more than 20 million acres of grapevines being culivated around the world and more than 60 species have been identified Vitis vinifera (Old World species) Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel Vitis Labrusca (native American species) Concord, Catawba, Niagra French-American Hybrids (cross between v. vinifera and v. labrusca) Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin

Climate
Free from severe, cold winters Free from hot, humid summers Free from frequent rainfall during the growing season Free from late-spring or early-fall frost  At least 150 frost free days during the growing season

Soils
Good aeration Loose texture Moderate fertility Good surface and sub-surface drainage

Harvesting
Hand harvesting
 Labor intensive  Best condition fruit

Machine harvesting
 No need for large picking crews  Fruit quality can be less than hand harvested

Pruning
Most important cultural practice in the management of grapes.
 select superior potential fruiting wood  maintain vine shape  regulate the number of buds retained per vine  balance fruit productivity and vegetative growth

Yearly Life Cycle of a Grapevine

Budbreak Flowering Immature Grape Cluster Verasion Maturity

Pests and Diseases

Rot and mildew
 Usually controlled with applications of sulpher

Phylloxera
 always present in the soil

Pierces Disease
 carried by the Glassy Winged Sharpshooter