The SU Ag Center offers Grape Pruning Training to Growers

Baton Rouge, La. - Pruning grapes is one of the important practices in grapevine management that directly influences plant health, canopy structure, yield potential and long-term productivity. As part of the outreach efforts, the viticulture team at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center recently conducted beginner pruning training sessions for growers in Greensburg, and North Baton Rouge.

The hands-on training focused on winter and dormant pruning techniques for muscadine grapes grown for fresh fruit production. The vines at both locations had not been pruned since planting. Without proper pruning the vines were overly vegetative, resulting in poor canopy structure, fruit quality, and lower productivity. The team demonstrated how to properly identify cordons and retain the appropriate number of spurs per codon to maintain a balance canopy. Growers were also trained in establishing a manageable vine structure, removing excess growth and restructuring the vines to improve light penetration, and airflow and fruiting potential for future seasons.

The sessions provided growers with practical, hands-on experience while reinforcing key principles of grapevine management. The viticulture team plans to expand this effort by hosting larger group workshops at the Southern University Ag Center to serve a broader audience of new and existing grape growers. The initiative is part of the Ag Center’s ongoing commitment to strengthening local fresh fruit production through targeted education and technical assistance.

For more information on the SU Ag Center's Viticulture and Enology research program, contact devaiah_kambiranda@suagcenter.com