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

Bunch spacing This is the arrangement and spacing of bunches on the canopy to prevent chafing. Flower and set Grapevine flowers are covered with fused petals that form the calyptra (Figure 1). The calyptra is pushed off when the flower opens. The five stamens (male) and stigma, style, and ovary (female) lie underneath. The pollen grain lands on the stigma and grows through the style to reach the ovary, which then develops into the grape berry.

FIGURE 1. The parts of a grapevine flower.

Flowering is the stage when the calyptra has dropped off and the stamens are visible (Figure 2). Set is the stage when the stamens have dropped off and only the ovary remains. The ovary is then 2–3 mm in diameter.

SATI GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR EXPORT 9