Improving the yield and quality of Sauvignon blanc

Abstract

We evaluated 5 trellis systems and 12 clones in 2 separate experiments with the goal of measuring the effect on yield, ripening, and fruit quality. All systems were based on Vertical Shoot Positioned (VSP) designs, with variations of spur cordon and cane (guyot) pruning. All systems ripened fruit satisfactorily, achieving 21% to 22.5% brix sugar. Yields ranged from 6.8 – 10.5 kg per vine (13.0-21.3 tons/hectare). Yields were highest with cane pruned systems, due to higher bud numbers. Bilateral spur cordon trained vines had the lowest yields and ripest fruit.    The extra bud number in the different cane pruned systems compared to a standard spur cordon system most likely accounted for the increase in yields, but larger crops significantly delayed ripening. A trial evaluating 12 clones of Sauvignon blanc from UC Foundation Plant Services (UC FPS) was made including # 1 (most widely planted in California), 6, 7, 14, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27.  Vines were trained utilizing 4 canes containing an average of 12 buds per cane (48 buds total per vine). Observations were made for phenology, yield, cluster size and numbers, berry weight, fruit chemistry and pruning weights.   Clones with smaller clusters and lower yields ripened earlier than those with large clusters and higher yields. Some clones with smaller clusters and lower yields ripened sooner, and may be useful for shorter growing season areas. UC FPS#1 is still one of the best for yield and quality.