Yield loss following intensive pre-flowering leaf removal (LR) can be up to 40-50 % of initial potential. A study conducted by Agroscope on the white grapevine Petite Arvine evaluated the effects of higher hedge trimming to compensate for leaf area removed in the bunch area, either at pre-flowering or flowering stage. The combination of LR at flowering and higher hedge trimming proved to be a good balance, mitigating yield loss caused by earlier LR and slightly improving grape ripening, as well as increasing aroma precursor Cys-3MH accumulation in the must and slightly improving wine composition in terms of color intensity and overall impression.
