Winter pruning boosts grapevine root growth and canopy size for better yields.
Winter pruning of grapevines affects root growth and canopy size. Researchers studied how pruning Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot Gris vines impacted root density, distribution, and root/canopy ratio. They found that winter pruning increased root growth and distribution without harming canopy development. Vines that were not pruned had less root growth but a larger canopy. This information helps us understand how roots and above-ground parts of the plant interact and compete, which can guide vineyard management practices.