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Visit to Experimental Winery of Tebano

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Visit to Experimental Winery of Tebano (University of Bologna; Italy) on 18th September 2009.

GENEVA DOUBLE CURTAIN (GDC)

The Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) was the first training system based primarily on microclimate analysis. (Shaulis et al., 1966). It is a tall (1.5–1.8 m), bilateral, cordon system pruned to short spurs (four to six buds). These are directed downward. (as shown in photograph below)
The cordons diverge laterally and then bend, to be held about 1.2 m apart by parallel wires running along the row. Alternately, two short lateral cordons are pruned to four long canes. The latter are supported on wires. The bearing shoots of upright-growing V. vinifera cultivars must be positioned downward about flowering time with the aid of movable catch wires.

The system works well for vines of medium to high vigour, and with rows about 3–3.6 m apart. This provides inter row canopy spacings of about 2.4 m. Some further shoot positioning during the season may be necessary to keep the two canopies separate and to minimize shading. Initially developed for V. labrusca varieties, such as ‘Concord,’ the GDC has been used with French- American hybrids and V. vinifera cultivars in several parts of the world. Consistent with its divided canopy and increased bud retention, fruit quality is often excellent and yield is enhanced.

Although the GDC system demands more in terms of skill and materials, the higher yield (excellent sun exposure for inflorescence induction) usually more than offsets the higher establishment costs. The use of hinged side supports on the trellis can easily permit the canopies to be pulled toward the post, facilitating mechanical pruning and harvesting (Smith, 1991). Because the GDC positions the fruit-bearing or renewal zone at the apex of the canopy, it is especially valuable where maximal direct-sun exposure is desired, as in regions with considerable cloud cover during the summer.

In some regions, however, this can result in increased fruit sunburn, hail injury, and bird damage. Locating the arms on the upper portion of the cordon or less shoot arching may increase protection of the fruit by the leaves. Because trailing shoots need little support, GDC has the lowest wiring costs of any divided-canopy system.

- Advantages of GENEVA DOUBLE CURTAIN (GDC)
The main objective of this training system is to use of mechanization
To control the vigour of some vines varieties.
To increase the plant density per hectare.
Mechanization in pruning and harvesting to reduce man power.
To use vertical harvesting machines to enhance the quality of harvest.
In fertile soil vigour of vines get control because canes are subjected to grow downwards.
Possible to use mobile arms of pole to facilitate movement for intercultural operations.

Bibliography:
Wine Science, Principle, Practice, Perception by- Ron S. Jackson
Presentation slides of Dr. Rombolà.

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