GRAPE PRUNING AND TRAINING 



343 



new cane the next year. Even if the main cane has been tied up, 

 the removal at the collar of the vine of the other canes, if they are 

 numerous and large, makes many serious wounds, which in some 

 cases weaken the vine considerably. 



254. Third summer pruning. During the third season, average 

 wdl-grown vines will produce their first considerable crop and de- 

 velop the canes from which will be formed the first arms. During 

 this spring it will be necessary to sucker and remove low shoots at 

 least once more. This may be done when the vines are hoed. If 



FIG. 287 GRAPEVINES OF VARIOUS AGES 



Left, vine in third year pruned by cane system. Middle, vine in fifth year (cane 

 system). Right, spur, stool or short system; vine in its fifth year. 



the vines grow vigorously the shoots should be pinched when they 

 are 18 to 24 inches long to protect them from the wind. 



255. Third winter pruning. At the end of the third season's 

 growth the vine should have a straight, well-developed trunk with 

 near the top several vigorous canes from which to form the arms. 

 The pruner should leave enough spurs to supply all the fruit buds 

 the vine can utilize. The number, size and thickness of the canes 

 show the vigor of the vine. It will depend somewhat on the variety 

 how many buds should be left. For a variety whose bunches aver- 

 age one pound, and which produces two bunches to the shoot, 12 



