047: Crop Regulation & Fruit Thinning Strategies with Dr. Mark Krasnow

Join us in this episode with Dr. Mark Krasnow, an acclaimed plant physiologist and the founder of Thoughtful Viticulture. From the landscapes of New Zealand, Dr. Krasnow takes us on a journey from budding winemaker to viticulture expert. Although we could discuss many topics with him, this discussion focuses on crop regulation and fruit thinning strategies. 

Many vineyard management techniques are universal, while others are location-specific. Listen in to learn some new strategies and begin implementing them in your vineyard.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Reasons growers choose to reduce crop in their vineyard or aim for a specific crop load on their vines.

• When to thin and start cropping young vines, including a strategy for guidelines.

• Differences in crop regulation needs when cane pruned versus spur pruned.

• What research tells us about fruit removal from shoots during the growing season.

• Pros and cons of early versus late fruit removal.

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Resources:

• Listen to Episode 23 - Debunking the Low Yield = High Quality Myth with Dr. Patty Skinkis to learn more about the true relationship between yield and quality.

• Listen to Episode 17 - Using Sheep in Regenerative Agriculture with Kelly Mulville to learn more about using sheep in the vineyard.

• Download Fritz's member-only Crop Estimation Grower Guide to learn how to estimate, when to estimate, and tips for improving estimation accuracy.

• Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.

• If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Today's Guest:

Dr. Mark Krasnow is a renowned plant physiologist and consultant and the founder of Thoughtful Viticulture – a company that helps vineyards grow the highest quality fruit in the most sustainable and efficient manner possible.

Connect with Mark at thoughtfulviticulture.com and follow him @drkraz.

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today's episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. And as grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.