Guidelines for the preparation of table grapes in SA for export 2025/2026_ND

Canes usually start bleeding about two weeks before bud break. When canes bleed, pruning cuts must be made so that the sap runs away from the buds, as continuous wetting can lead to botrytis infections and rotting of buds. This is especially true of upright spurs. Don’t make the pruning cut too far from the bud. Canes have spongy marrow in the middle, which is interrupted by a diaphragm at each bud. Therefore, canes can’t dry out. Instead, rain can accumulate in long sections of marrow, leading to botrytis infections that can kill buds. This is again especially true for upright spurs in winter rainfall areas. By tying canes down, apical dominance is lifted and bud break improved (Figure 3).

FIGURE 4. Canes in South Africa. Note the length and thickness of the canes. Credit: Gawie van der Merwe.

SATI GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR EXPORT 15