Feb. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette ofN.S.W. 121 



The Pruning of the Vine* 



[Continued from page 55.] 



H. E. LAFFER, Viticultural Expert. 



Systems of Training Vines. 



The grape vine is, by natural inclination, a creeping or climbing plant 

 adapted to trailing over fsome stouter plant or structure, in order to support 

 its more or less slender stems. Under cultivation, by definite systems of 

 pruning, the vine is established with a stout rigid framework, capable of 

 supporting the weight of annual growth and fruit. The development of 

 varieties has given rise to types of varying habit, some being more or less 

 erect in their growth, while others retain the creeping characteristics of their 

 wild progenitors. It is upon this habit of growth that the system of training 

 is mainly dependent. Varieties inclining to the sturdy upright habit of 

 growth are often trained upon the "bush" or " goblet " system, each vine 

 standing individually with a stake to support its annual growth. 



Those of trailing habit are generally trained upon a trellis, in which the 

 permarient structure is built upon and supported by a tightly-strained wire. 

 In most cases a second wire acts as a support to the annual growth, which 

 clings to it by the aid of tendrils. For the greater part, the bush-trained 

 type is spur pruned, while the varieties upon trellis are more adapted to rod 

 pruning. In certain instances the rod and spur are applicable to both forms 

 of training. Although no de6nite rule can be laid down for guidance, it will 

 usually be found tl'at the stout-caned varieties, with short internodes, adapt 

 themselves to the spur pruned bush, while the trellised ones are longer in the 

 internodes and more slender in their canes. 



The Bush or Goblet System. 



The perfect type in this system consists of a short, stout stem, of about 

 10 to 12 inches in height, supporting two or more main arms, according to 

 the strength of the vine. These main arms may each be subdivided into two 

 or more secondary arms, upon which the fruit-bearing wood is carried. The 

 number of the secondary arms is limited only by the vigour of the vine, and 

 may vary from four to twelve. Above this number it becomes diflficult to 

 allow space for them all, and when conditions of soil are such as to induce 

 this excess of vigour, it will be found more satisfactory to adopt a system of 

 trellising. 



Formation of the Bush. 



In the first place, it should be the aim of the grower to secure a strong, 

 otout stem of a sutiicient height to prevent the bunches of fruit from touching 

 the ground when they are fully developed. For wine varieties it will 

 generally be found that a stem with a clearance of 10 inches to the base of 

 the main arms will be entirely satisfactory. Table varieties are sometimes 



