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

Postharvest • Apply postharvest fertilisation.

• Continue irrigation until leaf drop or the start of winter rains. • Treat for powdery mildew, downy mildew, and bud mites.

• Be on the lookout for leafhoppers and red spider mites, and treat them if necessary. • Collect soil samples for recommendations on fertilisation with macro-elements. • Treat Phytophthora vineyards with long-acting systemic products. • Discuss recommendations for the following year’s new plantings with a technical adviser. • Order plant material. Please note that orders must be placed at least two years in advance. • Prepare the soil for new vineyards before winter rains begin. • Remove scion roots. • Treat for mealy bugs. Summer pruning Summer pruning is recommended for long-bearer or cane-pruned cultivars, such as Sugraone (Superior Seedless ® ), Thompson Seedless, and Crimson Seedless. The right time is during the last two weeks of February in early regions and the first week of March in the later areas. Remove all non-lignified shoots as well as vigorous shoots. Don’t remove more than a third of the canes, as this could prompt unseasonal bud break. Theoretically, postharvest summer pruning directs carbohydrates to the remaining shoots, which accumulate more reserves, thereby improving bud break and fertility in the following season. Postharvest summer pruning will also facilitate the final pruning during winter.