RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Dragon System of Training and Pruning in China's Viticulture JF American Journal of Enology and Viticulture JO Am J Enol Vitic. FD American Society for Enology and Viticulture SP 152 OP 157 DO 10.5344/ajev.1986.37.2.152 VO 37 IS 2 A1 Guoguang Luo YR 1986 UL http://www.ajevonline.org/content/37/2/152.abstract AB The dragon training system is one of the two main systems for growing grapevines in China. The vine is trained to single or multiple cordons branching just above the ground onto a sloping or horizontal arbor (with wire netting) about 2 m in height. Total length of the permanent vine structure varies averaging from 4 to 10 m. Each cordon or "dragon body" bears consecutive spur positions or "dragon claws"consisting of 1 to 3 bud spurs 10 to 30 cm apart. The "dragons" lie parallel on the arbor approximately 50 cm apart. The advantages of this system are: 1) comparatively easy training, pruning, and high productivity during early years after planting (15-30 t/ha yield can be achieved by the fourth or fifth year); 2) good adaptability to macroclimatic conditions in northern China, where it is usually necessary to bury fruiting wood to survive winters; 3) extensive coverage of the ground surface area with good exposure of foliage to sunlight; and 4) efficient control of vine capacity by shoot removal, cluster thinning, and other cultural practices. The procedures of training dragon-trained vines are described as well as the disadvantages and problems of this system compared to other systems used in China.