If a cane is as thick as a person's thumb, how many buds should be left on it?

When determining the number of buds to leave on a cane that is as thick as a person's thumb, the recommendation is to leave 3-4 buds. This approach is based on the understanding that the thickness of the cane correlates with its ability to produce new growth and fruit. A cane of this size has a sufficient reserve of energy to support the growth of several buds while still allowing for optimal air circulation and sunlight exposure among the leaves.

Leaving 3-4 buds promotes balanced growth, ensuring that the grapevine can produce fruit without becoming overburdened or too crowded. This can lead to healthier plants and more productive yields. Furthermore, leaving too few buds could limit fruit production, while leaving too many might cause competition among the buds, reducing the overall quality of the grapes. Therefore, the practice of leaving 3-4 buds on a cane that is thumb-thick is a well-founded decision in vineyard management.