Abstract
In 1978, test plots were established to evaluate machine pruning of Salvador, Barbera, and French Colombard grapes. A vineyard pruning machine was developed. Yields and sugars were collected for three harvest seasons. All tests but one showed increased yields and reduced sugars. Total sugar produced in the three years was increased 6% in Salvador, 13% in Barbera, and 7% in French Colombard. The labor costs of pruning complete blocks of the same varieties were collected as they progressed from hand pruning (1977) to machine aided (1978-80) to machine pruning (1981-82). Machine pruning substantially reduced hand pruning labor costs even though wage rates increased during the same period. Total pruning costs were also reduced.
- Received February 1982.
- Copyright 1983 by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture
Sign in for ASEV members
ASEV Members, please sign in at ASEV to access the journal online.
Sign in for Institutional and Non-member Subscribers
Log in using your username and password
Pay Per Article - You may access this article (from the computer you are currently using) for 2 day for US$10.00
Regain Access - You can regain access to a recent Pay per Article purchase if your access period has not yet expired.