Modified Eicchorn-Lorenz: Shoot and Inflorescence Development

The first stage in the Modified Eicchorn-Lorenz Phenology is shoot and inflorescence development.

These are the tasks associated with this phenological stage:

Phenological Stage	Vineyard Tasks
Shoot and Inflorescence Development	Begin a protective fungicide program when shoots are just 2 inches long Unwanted “sucker” shoots can easily be removed from trunks and non-count shoots from cordons or fruiting canes

Here is what our various grape varieties look like now:

The above photo shows that the varieties are at this stage:

• Auxerrois: E-L Stage 4-7 Past stage 4 but before stage 7
• Chenin Blanc: E-L Stage 7 First leaves separated from shoot tip
• Chardonnay: E-L Stage 9 Two or three leaves separated; shoots 2-4 cm long
• Cabernet Sauvignon: E-L Stage 4 Bud burst leaf tips visible
• Cabernet Franc: E-L Stage 7 First leaves separated from shoot tip
• Barbera: E-L Stage 9 Two or three leaves separated; shoots 2-4 cm long

The photo is representative of what 50% or more of the variety looks like to determine what stage they are at. The vineyard is at various stages of budbreak at this point with the Cabernet Sauvignon lagging behind.
Yesterday, we finally finished picking up all of the cuttings from our vineyard alleys. Concurrently, we have been trimming the ends of the canes that we have laid down and cut the kicker canes. We also began mowing the vineyard alleys.
We have more than a week of beautiful weather coming up so it will be interesting to see how the vines grow in that time.
References:
1. Fritz Westover, Grapevine Phenology Revisited, Wines&Vines, March 2018.