What are the precautions for grape harvesting? A detailed explanation of the latest key points

Grape harvesting sounds like simply picking grapes off the vine, but in fact the grape harvesting process and the things to pay attention to involve more than just this simple action. Moreover, different varieties planted in different environments have different harvest times, and the things to pay attention to are also different. Next, you can take your questions and look for answers in the following content.

1. Harvest time

First, we need to determine what variety of grape we are currently growing, when its ripening period is, and whether growing it in the current environment has changed anything, so as to calculate the approximate maturity period. Generally, harvesting too early means the grapes are not ripe enough and the taste is not good, but if they need to be stored for a long time or transported over long distances, they can be harvested half a month before the maturity period; by using physiological after-ripening, this can prevent spoilage and deterioration during the process. If transportation is not needed, harvest at the exact maturity period of the grapes, which can ensure the taste and reduce acidity. Then there is the specific picking time, which is generally in weather with weak sunlight. After the dew on the grass has dried, harvesting can begin, lasting until before 12 o'clock, and then again after 3 p.m. until the evening, avoiding the strongest sunlight and preventing water loss. Picking in the evening, when the temperature is lower, can avoid oxidative consumption. This keeps them fresher.

2. Harvesting method

Generally, hold the entire cluster with one hand, and with the other hand use pruning shears to cut it from the fruiting branch, leaving 1 cm at the point where it grows on the branch. After cutting it off, if it has a bag, cut off the bag, and carefully check once for diseased berries or diseased small rachis; if there are any, cut them all off 1 cm into the healthy part. Then gently place them into the picking basket. Generally, filling a basket to about two-thirds is enough, and try to place them in a crisscross manner rather than aligning and pressing them. The bottom of the basket should generally be lined, using clean newspaper or clean straw, or cardboard, to prevent damage.

3. Precautions

1. During harvesting, do not cause mechanical damage to the tree body or the fruit.

2. The fruit stem turning slightly yellow is a sign of maturity; if it is too green, harvesting can be delayed.

3. Harvesting tools must be soaked and disinfected with a medicinal solution to avoid spreading diseases.

4. Do not spray pesticides within half a month before picking the fruit, to avoid incomplete volatilization.

5. If there is water or other attached rotten leaves on the picked fruit, be sure to wipe them clean with a clean cloth before storing.

6. If the maturity period is delayed for other reasons, do not rush to harvest; you can wait until the fruit is visibly ripe before harvesting. Do not harvest on rainy days or in heavy fog.

The above are the general aspects to pay attention to in grape harvesting. Generally, pay attention to the harvesting time and method. Then there are some small details. In order to avoid reducing the quality of the grapes themselves during post-harvest preservation and transportation, the things to pay attention to must be perfected as much as possible. Only in this way can you reduce your own losses.