What part of the Tokay grapevine should ideally be left intact during pruning?

During the pruning of the Tokay grapevine, it is essential to leave the fruiting spurs intact. Fruiting spurs are short, woody shoots that are crucial for the production of grapes in the upcoming growing season. They typically bear the leaf nodes and buds from which flowers and fruit develop. Retaining these spurs ensures that the vine has the necessary structure to produce fruit efficiently, as they enable the vine to focus its energy on fruit development rather than growing new branches.

Leaving the fruiting spurs also helps maintain the overall health of the vine by balancing growth and fruit production. Properly selected and retained spurs contribute to consistent grape yields and quality in each harvest cycle. In contrast, excessive removal or damage to these spurs can lead to reduced fruit output and may result in an imbalanced vine structure. Thus, proper pruning technique highlights the importance of preserving the fruiting spurs while managing other aspects of the vine's structure.