The Effect of Vine Spacing on the Vegetative and Reproductive Performance of Vi tis vinif era L. ( cv. Pinot noir)

Abstract

Vines of cv. Pinot Noir on rootstock cv. 99 Richter were planted at 1.0 multiply 0.5, 1.0 multiply 1.0, 2.0 multiply 1.0, 2.0 multiply 2.0, 3.0 multiply 1.5 or 3.0 multiply 3.0 m. Data concerning growth, yield, grape composition and wine quality are presented for 5 years. Closer spacing reduced cane mass and yield per vine but increased them per hectare. Less dense canopies as well as a larger leaf area:fruit mass ratio with more closely spaced vines augmented grape and wine quality. Under the conditions of this trial, a vine spacing resulting in between 1.0 msup(2) and 2.0 msup(2) soil surface/vine proved to be optimum for Pinot Noir.