The end of June calls for Shoot Topping
What is Shoot Topping in the vineyard and what does it involve?
Shoot Topping is a procedure which is carried out at the end of June / start of July. It involves cutting the shoots, in particular the last part, as well as new sprouts (females), in order to limit excessive growth.
Why does Shoot Topping take place?
The shoots of the vine are topped to ensure they don’t cover the ripening grapes (they tend to grow in all directions and past the support structures). This procedure also allows for the formation of new leaves, which are useful for the bunches.
Why is Shoot Topping carried out at the end of June?
Shoot Topping must be completed in due time to allow for the vine to develop new sprouts and to contribute to the enlargement and ripening of the bunches of grapes.
The small new leaves are decisively more efficient in elaborating the nutritious elements and they support the old ones, which gradually become less active.
If Shoot Topping was to occur in the following months, the plant would be forced to use more resources and energy to restore the lost foliage, instead of using it to ripen the new bunches of grapes. This would mean a lower sugar content and would worsen the quality of the grapes.