Term for the side shoots of the vine that grow laterally from the leaf axils of the main shoots. There are numerous local names or synonyms such as Aberzahn, Dolder, Drohler, Eberzahn, Enkel, Geize, Irxe, Kindlein, Ohrlaub and Uchse. In some cases, however, this is also the name given to grapes growing on Geiz shoots. The stingy shoots form from the eye of a shoot, known as the summer bud. The adjacent winter bud then grows into a new summer shoot the following spring.
Particularly if the main shoot is topped early, the summer bud can grow into a considerable side shoot, which can even flower and fruit in the lower part. However, the lateral shoot usually remains small or does not sprout. The bud then dies the following winter due to insufficient wood ripeness. Every grape variety tends to develop stingy shoots to a greater or lesser extent. Growth is encouraged by a vigorous rootstock. The picture on the left shows an eye (1), next to which a lateral shoot sprouts to the right (2), a tendril (3) and a leaf stalk (4). The picture on the right shows stingy grapes after leaf fall in autumn.
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Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen