The selection of spurs or canes to sample and send to us is the most important step in determining the accuracy of the results.  The sample must represent the kind of spurs or canes that will be left on the vines by the pruning crew.  A sample of the best possible spurs is likely to have better fruitfulness than you will see in your actual crop.  A sample of weak spurs you don't want will have poorer fruitfulness than your vineyard average.  The person taking the sample should be familiar with pruning practices.

     Some growers take samples from the same set of vines each year, for comparison.  Others simply take a sample representing a range of vine types and different areas of the vineyard.

     A typical sample size is 20 or more spurs or canes for each block or sample area.  Some growers send more for  more precise results.  Others send fewer to save on cost and labor.  For more information see our discussion of sample size.

     Be clear about how many buds you are cutting.  For example, if you want us to check three buds on a spur, cut off all the buds beyond bud 3.  If you leave extra buds and tell us to "start at bud 1", our interpretation of bud 1 may differ from yours. 

     For canes, we typically inspect the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th bud on each.  Checking this sub-sample on a variety of canes is more accurate than checking all the buds on fewer canes.  If you want us to check more or different buds on each cane, just let us know.

     If you want to know the location where each spur was taken, label each one with a tag or write on the wood.  We will return results with each spur identified.

     Spurs from each block or sample area can be placed together in a labeled plastic bag.  Do not add wet paper.  Cut spurs will stay fresh enough for several weeks, as long as they are not left in the sun.  Canes can be shipped whole with or without a bag.

     The bags and canes can be placed in a box and shipped to one of our inspection centers, or you can bring them in person.  Call our bud analysis manager to find out which center will result in the quickest results.