Abstract: A trellis system and latch mechanism for use in growing vine plants, such as grapes, raisins and the like that is particularly suited for use with the alternate bearing method of raising such plants. The latch mechanism has a latch body that pivotally connects a support arm from one row of supports to the support arm of an adjacent row of supports. Alternatively, the latch mechanism connects a wire member on one row of supports to a wire member on an adjacent row of supports. The latch body is configured to allow the user to connect to a support arm or wire member on an adjacent row of support members on the non-bearing, renewal row to support the weight of vines and fruit that comprise the bearing row. Use of the latch mechanism allows the grower to selectively open or close the trellis system to establish the bearing or renewal rows during alternate growing seasons.

Abstract: A method for raising plants which produce a crop on predetermined portions thereof, the method having steps of growing the plant in a growing medium in upstanding relation; and training the predetermined portions of the plant to grow along substantially discrete courses so that the predetermined portions are spaced from each other and from the growing medium so as to enhance the growth thereof and facilitate harvest of the crop.