TRAINING THE VINES 



519 



a new cane to the top wire and two canes may be tied along the lower 

 wire. A fair crop will result the third season. 



Although unusual, it is also possible, when following the 

 customary training methods previously described, to have a 

 number of vigorous laterals produced on the long cane which 

 results from cutting back to two buds after the second year's 

 growth. When such conditions of growth do occur, these lat- 

 erals may be used during the third year for producing a partial 

 crop. 



Cane Renewal. When the main trunk becomes devitalized, 

 not producing canes of good vigor and location, its renewal is 

 desirable. Select a sprout or sucker from the base of the trunk 

 and develop a new trunk gradually, pruning the old vine more 

 severely than usual in the meantime. After the third year, 

 the old cane may be removed, without in the meantime taking 

 the vine completely out of production. 



Time of Pruning, Present information indicates that early 

 spring is the best time for grape pruning. This means Febru- 

 ary or early March in most regions. Fall-pruned vines may 

 show considerable freezing injury in the spring with consequent 

 reduction of the crop. Grape wood is too brittle to work with 

 when full of frost. Excessive bleeding results from pruning too 

 long deferred. The effect of this bleeding has not been fully 

 determined, but it seems best to avoid it until more definite 

 information is available. 



One exception to the foregoing statement may be desirable. 

 In regions subject to severe, late frosts, it may pay to delay 

 pruning until late spring, even though some bleeding may 

 occur. By delaying the cutting back of the canes, those buds 

 which will be left eventually do not force out into growth as 

 early as if the canes had been headed back at the usual time. 

 The buds at the ends of the canes, which will be removed any- 

 way, are then the ones which will grow early and no harm to 

 the crop will result if these are frosted. 



Hand shears of a good grade of steel are the most satisfac- 

 tory tools for pruning. These are shown among orchard prun- 



