Arlie Powell, Extension Horticulturist, Professor, David Himelrick, Extension Horticulturist, Professor, William Dozier, Professor, and Dave Williams, Extension Horticulturist, Associate Professor, all in Horticulture at Auburn University Fruit Culture in Alabama Training and Pruning Tree Fruits Bush and vine types of deciduous small fruit plants require some initial training to develop desirable forms. Annual pruning in varying degrees is also necessary to keep plants in allotted space and stimulate optimum performance. Early training procedures are required for certain of the small fruits, but these methods are not nearly as intensive as for tree fruits.
Grapes require the most intensive training program.
Training Grapes Bunch and muscadine grapes require special training on trellis systems. A single-wire trellis is the simplest method to use and is especially recommended for home gardeners. The two-wire trellis increases yields by 30 to 35 percent, but it also increases disease problems. Support system for the Geneva Double Curtain trellis, showing construction details Training during the first season mainly involves selecting a single new shoot to grow upward to the trellis wire. Support the shoot with twine or bamboo.