Effects of Mechanical Winter Pruning on Vine Performances and Management Costs in a Trebbiano Romagnolo Vineyard: A Five-Year Study

Vineyard mechanical winter pruning has been spreading worldwide, and the physiological basis ascribable to it consolidated throughout years. Despite labor savings reduction of costs having proven, demonstration its economic viability might be challenging. In this context, work aims evaluate vine performances different degrees mechanization over a five-year trial (2011–2015). vineyard cv. Trebbiano Romagnolo (Vitis vinifera L.) located in northern Italy, three treatments were laid out as follows: (a) manual (MAN); (b) pre-pruning simultaneous follow-up (MP + F); (c) without (MP). The results showed strong increase node number MP. Nevertheless, yield compensation factors (i.e., shoot fruitfulness cluster weight) limited productivity. Soluble solids did not differ between treatments, while titratable acidity resulted slightly higher only on MP berries. treatment was most economically convenient, with surface 1.5 hectares, finishing more advantageous, compared when greater than 2.9 hectares. agronomic obtained suggest that may profitably applied also grapevine varieties characterized by low basal bud fruitfulness, such Romagnolo.