Winegrapes are an important crop for Oregon agriculture, ranking amongst the top ten agricultural commodities based on farmgate value. The most widely planted winegrape cultivar in the state is ‘Pinot noir’ (Vitis vinifera L.), and the majority of acreage is produced in the Willamette Valley. Production of quality ‘Pinot noir’...
Canopy management is critical to successful winegrape production. Canopy management begins with vineyard design and includes decisions about soil, water, cover cropping, fertilization and weed control. Shoot thinning, leaf removal, hedging and crop thinning are also part of canopy management.