Research Study: Treessentials Clipper as a
Management Tool for Late Plantings

Location: Sonoma County, CA, USA

Study Objective: To compare the first year growth of vines planted using Clipper Grow Tubes with unprotected vines. To document the benefits of using Clipper Grow Tubes on delayed plantings, replants and planting stock variability.

Description: 

Four plots of dormant bench grafts were planted. Two plots used Clipper and two were unprotected. One of each of the plots were planted on 6-10-99 and 7-20-99.

All the plants received excellent and equal mechanical and chemical weed control. Water was delivered to all plants through drip irrigation. All the plants were inspected at least three times during the growing season. It should also be noted that the nursery stocks used varied greatly in terms of size and quality. After some discussion it was agreed not to pre-select uniform quality stocks since the variations more reflected what is most commonly used in the fields.

Results: Both plots protected by a clipper grow tube showed considerably better growth. Most important was the number of vines that reached cordon height in the first growing season. In the early planted site all but one of the protected plants reached the cordon level of 40 inches. 44% were more than double that height.

46% of the non-protected plants failed to reach the cordon height of 40 inches. Only 9% had doubled that height.

The late plantings had even more dramatic results. 100% of the plants protected by clipper grow tubes reached the cordon wire in the first season. The non-protected plants had only a 27% success rate.

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