A new closing Y-shaped training system for grapevines

Background and Aims: Total leaf area and its distribution inside the canopy are known to influence the photosynthesis capacity as well as grape quality and health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple and innovative training system characterised by an open canopy called 'SAYM' (a closing Y-shaped training system derived from the spur-pruned single cordon and trained to an inclined shoot-positioned trellis type) as well as the possibility of using traditional machines during harvesting and pruning after closing the structure just before grape harvesting. Methods and Results: The SAYM was applied on eight rows of 80 vines from an experimental Sangiovese vineyard and compared to vertically shoot-positioned (VSP) trellis type during the 2004-2008 seasons. In comparison to VSP vines, the SAYM was able to reduce the incidence of botrytis rot and improve grape and wine quality (alcohol, anthocyanins, phenolics, tannins and colour intensity), while maintaining an adequate yield (about 13t/ha) without significantly increasing the management operations of the vineyard. Conclusions: The SAYM was able to bring together economically and easily the advantages guaranteed by training systems characterised by horizontally divided canopy with the limitation of production costs by the use of traditional mechanical harvesters and pruners. Significance of the Study: SAYM can be proposed as a functional training system able to improve grape and wine quality, which is easy and inexpensive to manage.