Influence of Pruning Date on Budbreak of Desert Table Grapes

¹ Cactus Lane Ranch, P. O. Box 144, Waddell, AZ 85355
² Apartado Postal 627, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

For three years, Perlette, Cardinal, and Thompson Seedless vines were pruned at two-week intervals from late November to early February. Results indicate a higher percent and more even budbreak of both Perlette and Thompson Seedless when pruned during January; Cardinals were less sensitive to pruning dates. Observations also indicate that earlier bloom and subsequent harvest coincide with optimum pruning dates. Accumulated winter chilling to determine optimum pruning dates is suggested as a means of improving desert table grape production.