Can maturity starts at the end of the bud differentiation stage. This typically happens between 60-90 days after foundation pruning. In the stage the colour of the cane transforms first to a milky white colour then to the brown colour of a mature cane. Warmer temperatures result in better can maturity, whereas overcast and rainy conditions delay the maturity.
Management practices like pinching of the shoots and removal of excess vegetative growth are essential to maintain proper microclimate in the vines.
Nutrition Management: It is important to stop the use of Nitrogen during the cane maturity stage. Use of potassic fertilizers is recommended. The grapevine usually consumes about 25% of the total annual Potassium requirement during this 60-100 day period after foundation pruning. Potassium checks the vegetative growth of the vine at this stage and helps in cane maturity. The brown-colored mature cane is a result of lignin formation. A mature cane strengthens and nourishes the inflorescence primordia in the bud. When there is a chance of an increase in Nitrogen levels due to climatic factors, it is advisable to use a product that has a small fraction of Molybdenum along with Potassium.
