This phase of the growth cycle runs from March to June in the Northern Hemisphere and September to December in the Southern Hemisphere.
This is when access to the carbohydrates which are stored in the roots, trunk, and branches is necessary for the vine growth. These carbohydrates are critical for the initial stages of the vine growth, as the vines during this phase have not developed enough leaves to absorb the sunlight for photosynthesis.
There can be instances when the vine endures a depletion in the carbohydrate’s reserves. This can be due to water stress during spring time, disease infection or due to the previous year when there is a high crop load and as a result, the vine ends up using a lot of its carbohydrates. High-yielding vines will undergo over cropping where vines overproduce its fruits during certain years relative to the vine’s size, age, and health and this can further weaken the vine in the long term.
Right from Bud burst all the way until flowering and fruit set, most of the vines’ energy is directed towards shoot and leaf growth. The aim of the vine is to produce sufficient canopy and thereby create enough surface area to capture adequate sunlight for photosynthesis to occur. Both warmth and sunlight is essential for this.
During this time, it is important that the vine do not suffer from Water stress, as it can limit photosynthesis as well as shoot growth.
Besides water, warmth and sunlight, nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are critical for uniform stable growth during the shoot/leaf growth. Lack of Nitrogen is associated with lower yield and potentially yellowing of leaves. Low phosphorous is generally associated with Reduction in vine vigour. Lack of potassium causes reduction in vine growth, fruit set and reduced fruit ripening.
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