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

Introduction

To meet market requirements, growers must apply specific manipulations during the spring and summer. Some cultivars need more manipulations than others, but there are no cultivars that can be marketed for export in their natural state. It is necessary to explain specific terminology before discussing cultivars individually. Shoot thinning This involves the manual removal of unnecessary and infertile shoots, typically at a shoot length of 20–30 cm. Removal of lateral shoots Lateral shoots between the base of the main shoot and the bunch are removed. As this is labour-intensive, only prominent shoots are removed, and only up to the bunches. Don’t overdo this. Research has shown that lateral shoots contribute to the manufacture of carbohydrates that are translocated to nearby bunches. Tipping of shoots This involves the manual removal of 2–5 cm of the growth tip of a shoot, resulting in improved set and more fertile buds. Tipping is usually done just before or during flowering. Topping This is the removal of the top 15–25 cm of a shoot, including the growth tip, by cutting with secateurs or a scythe, or by swiping with a length of wire. Topping is more drastic than tipping. As with tipping, topping aims to improve set, berry size, and fertility. It is also done after set and véraison to enhance light penetration in the middle of the row. If bud break is very uneven, dominant shoots must sometimes be tipped or topped early to allow weaker shoots to catch up. Tipping is usually performed when dominant shoots are 15–20 cm long. Dominant shoots with bunches can also be topped one to two nodes above the bunch. Dominant shoots without bunches should be entirely removed. Removal of extra tendrils and lateral bunches Tendrils and small lateral bunches sometimes develop on the central axis above the shoulders of a bunch. The tendrils are known as anchors, and the removal of these tendrils or small bunches is also referred to as anchoring. When not removed in time, the tendrils can entangle the bunch. The tendrils can be a nuisance, especially in Crimson Seedless and Sugranineteen (Scarlotta Seedless ® ). Shouldering This is the pinching back of the top two laterals of a bunch, typically before flowering, to enhance set in the upper part of the bunch. Sometimes only a small part of the lateral is removed, and sometimes a larger part, up to half of it.

SATI GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR EXPORT 5