Épocas de poda seca e sua influência na brotação, produção e qualidade das uvas Cabernet Sauvignon e Isabel na serra gaúcha

Abstract

Viticulture is an activity of great economic and social importance in the region of Serra Gaúcha, especially the production of wines, juices and derivatives. According to the characteristic of the wine production in the region, formed by small producers, with family labor in most farms. The activities of cultural practices that involve the use of manpower, are significant and of great importance for maximizing their cost reduction is required, without compromising the quality of the grapes. One of these activities is dry pruning, also called pruning production or final pruning, which is usually held during the periods from July to September, requiring intensive use of manpower. Thus, a longer period for this activity is interesting from the point of view of scheduling activities and the use of family labor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and quality of grapes produced in different pruning times. The pruning was done every fortnight, from the 1st of April until September 15, 2012. Cabernet Sauvignon and Isabel varieties were used in two vineyards, located in the city of Farroupilha-RS. The main parameters evaluated were leafing and flowering, maturity, productivity indexes, babo degreee, pH and Titratable Acidity. Treatments (12 of pruning) were applied in composite plots of three plants, in a randomized block design with three replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using the Tukey test at 5%. The results showed that early pruning during the months of April and May, may be used without compromising the yield and quality of grapes in relation to the normal pruning season (August and September). The early pruning season (June and July) causes an anticipation of budding and undermine the uniformity and percentage of shooting sticks. It was also observed that the early and late pruning induce a delayed sprouting with less risk of damage caused by spring frosts and a higher percentage of sprouting in the sticks with greater uniformity. It further helps to reduce the hiring of outside labor and, consequently, reduce costs, being held at a time of lower agricultural activity.