Response of `Himrod' Grapevines to Cane Girdling

The effect of cane girdling, in combination with the common commercial practices of gibberellic acid applications and/or other crop control, on vine size and fruit characteristics was measured over 3 years for `Himrod' grapevines (Vitis ×labruscana × V. vinifera) grown in central New York state. Cane girdles 4 mm wide between the second and third node from the base of each fruiting cane resulted in vines that were capable of sustaining vine size while enhancing several aspects of fruit quality. When added to several vine-manipulation regimes, cane girdling increased cluster weight as much as 106%, berries per cluster as much as 138%, and berry weight as much as 17%. Although cane girdling increased yield as much as 66%, it consistently reduced fruit soluble solids concentration (SSC). Therefore, for cane girdling to contribute to sustained production of quality `Himrod' table grapes in a cool-growing-season climate, it will be necessary to practice it in combination with a level of crop control that will ensure acceptable fruit SSC.