Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In tropical regions of India (such as Maharashtra and Karnataka), grapevines do not undergo winter dormancy.
Consequently, a unique "double pruning and single cropping" system is practiced, involving pruning the vines twice a year.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Summer Pruning (Back Foundation pruning): This pruning is carried out in April, shortly after the fruit harvest.
The main objective is to encourage vegetative growth and develop fruitful canes for the next season.
Canes are pruned back severely, leaving only 1 to 2 buds. Thus, the summer pruning takes place in April with 1-2 buds per cane.
2. Winter Pruning (Forward Fruit pruning): This pruning is done in October to initiate flowering and fruiting.
The number of buds retained per cane depends on the fruit bud fertility of the specific grape cultivar.
- 'Anab-e-Shahi' is a highly vigorous, white table grape variety.
- In this cultivar, the basal buds (buds 1 to 4) are vegetative and do not produce flowers.
- The fruitful buds are located higher up, typically at the 5th, 6th, and 7th nodes.
- Therefore, to ensure a good crop yield, the canes must be pruned to 6 to 7 buds in October.
Pruning too short would remove the fertile buds and result in a crop failure.
Thus, option (A) is the correct statement.
Step 3: Final Answer:
For Anab-e-Shahi grapes, summer pruning is done in April to 1-2 buds, and winter pruning is done in October to 6-7 buds.