Influence of Canopy Management Practices on Canopy Characteristics, Yield, and Fruit Composition of 'Norton' Grapes (Vitis aestivalis Michx)

Abstract

Impact of canopy management practices were assessed on canopy architecture, yield, and fruit composition of Norton grapes. Combinations of shoot thinning (ST), shoot positioning (SP), and leaf removal (LR) were imposed. The highest total soluble solids and lowest acidity were recorded either in LR or its combination with ST+SP treatments. Malic acid and potassium concentrations were highest on control, ST, SP, ST+SP vines. Canopy characteristics measured by point quadrat analysis differed significantly between treatments with more leaf layer number and less percent gap in control vines and in vines without LR treatments. These same treatments also recorded highest percent interior leaves and clusters. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.