What does spur pruning involve?

Spur pruning involves leaving short bearing units on the cane, which allows for optimal fruit production while maintaining the health of the vine. This technique encourages the growth of new shoots and ensures that the vine can produce fruit in the following season. By retaining these short bearing units, also known as spurs, the vine is managed effectively to promote better air circulation, sunlight exposure, and disease prevention.

This method contrasts with removing all canes from the vine, which would not support fruiting in the upcoming season, or leaving long fruiting canes that may lead to excessive vegetative growth with fewer fruiting opportunities. Ignoring fruiting buds altogether would also be counterproductive, as the goal of pruning is to manage the vine for fruitful production. Therefore, focusing on short bearing units is essential to successful spur pruning and overall vine management in grape cultivation.