EFFECT OF TRAINING SYSTEM AND PLANTING DENSITY ON GROWTH, YIELD, AND FRUIT QUALITY OF YOUNG GRAPEVINES

Two training systems(open lyre and Kniffin) with two planting densities(3.3 m × 1.5-1.1 m and 1.8 m × 1.5-1.1 m, R × V, respectively) were evaluated for their effects on growth, yield, and fruit quality of fourteen grapes grafted to SO4. Cane pruning weights of vines grafted to SO4 rootstocks averaged 268.1 kg/10a. Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Clairette grapes had greater cane pruning weights. Pruning weights of vines trained to the Kniffin system with 1.8 m × 1.1 m spacing were greater. Fruit yields of young vines averaged 438.6 kg/10a, and SV 5276, Carignane, and Ugni Blanc grapes were more productive while Riesling, Grenache, Chenin Blanc, Muscat de Frontignan grapes were less productive. Yields of grapevines trained to the Kniffin system with 1.8 m × 1.1 m spacing were more productive. Fruit quality was less affected by training system and planting density, but significant varietal differences were recognized.