Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 7:56 pm Post subject: low grape fruitfulness
We check a lot of grape buds at Bio Ag Services, and we are finding generally low fruitfulness this year, especially in table grapes, and particularly in Red Globes and Autumn Royals. Last year the typical blocks had 60-80% fruitfulness. This year most blocks have 10-30%. In some cases, we are suggesting leaving some canes. Some wine grapes are also showing low fruitfulness and small bunch size.
I recommend warning your clients and friends to prune generously for the 2006 season. It would also be prudent to have some spurs checked by us or by one of the other bud analysis services doing this work.
Devin Carroll
Bio Ag Services
559-240-5127