One of the oldest forms of training in viticulture (also known as single vine training, stake culture or vine culture), which was already used by the Romans in ancient times and was called "phalange" (tied to the stake ). It was a widespread training method in viticulture until the 1950s. Each individual vine is supported by a stake (stickel). A very high planting density of 8,000 to 10,000 canes per hectare with a low stem height was common. The development of the vines close to the ground resulted in increased disease infestation and frost damage. For this reason, this form was gradually replaced by high cultivation after the Second World War. The picture shows a vineyard in the municipality of Weißenkirchen in the Wachau (Austria).
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien