The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Jesus A Gilribes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • performance evaluation of lateral canopy shakers with catch frame for continuous Harvesting of oranges for juice industry
    International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2020
    Co-Authors: Rafael R Solaguirado, Sergio Castrogarcia, Gregorio L Blancoroldan, Jesus A Gilribes, E J Gonzalezsanchez
    Abstract:

    Citrus is mainly oriented to fresh consumption, and Harvesting is usually performed manually. However, the high cost of Harvesting and the low availability of labour can compromise the profitability of the crop when it is destined to juice industry. The development of citrus Mechanical Harvesting for industrial processing is conditioned to reach a high fruit removal efficiency, with a reduced damage to both fruit and trees. The current machines available are very large, requiring extensive plantations with long rows of trees to be efficient. In this study, two lateral canopy shakers equipped with a catch frame were evaluated to harvest independently both sides of the hedge on intensive citrus plantations with the main objective of determine their performance and feasibility. The lateral canopy shakers tested were three tractor-drawn machines, one commercial machine and two prototypes. The tested machines reached a mean value of 78% of fruit removal. Besides, the prototypes, equipped with a catch frame, were able to recover a mean value of 70% of yield. Although the results were promising, for achieving an efficient result, the application of this Harvesting technology still requires a process of improvement, and the adaptation of both the machine and the plantation. The machines should reduce the amount of post-harvest ground fruit (5.9%-10.4%). Tree damages generated by the contact of the catch frame with the trunk and the metal rods with main branches were the most relevant. Therefore, it is still necessary to increase the ground speed of the machinery and improving the design of the rods, regulating the rod penetrating deep in the canopy to improve the fruit recovery and limit the damage caused to the trees. Keywords: harvester, Mechanical Harvesting, fruit removal, tree damage, Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201303.4998 Citation: Sola-Guirado R R, Castro-Garcia S, Blanco-Roldan G L, Gil-Ribes J A, Gonzalez-Sanchez E J. Performance evaluation of lateral canopy shakers with catch frame for continuous Harvesting of oranges for juice industry. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(3): 88–93.

  • fruit abscission pattern of valencia orange with canopy shaker system
    Scientia Horticulturae, 2019
    Co-Authors: Fernando Aragonrodriguez, Sergio Castrogarcia, Rafael R Solaguirado, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    Abstract Fruit detachment can occur due to natural causes or be Mechanically performed by a combination of Mechanical stresses that cause tissue breakage in the plant. Forced abscission should not coincide with natural abscission zones (AZ). Abscission zones are very important in citrus Harvesting both in terms of the destination market and of the possible damage caused to the tree or fruit. The objective of this study is to determine the abscission pattern of sweet oranges with a canopy shaker and compare it with other detachment systems. Five plots of Valencia oranges were tested during the 2017 and 2018 Harvesting seasons, using a commercial tractor-drawn canopy shaker. The diameter, weight and breakage type were evaluated in the cases of natural fall, snap method, Mechanical Harvesting with canopy shaker, and pull test. Breakage type AZ-C predominated in natural fall (89.0%) and the snap method (79.5%). Similarly, AZ-A predominated for the canopy shaker (58.8%) and pull test (45.3%). Mechanical action on the fruit produced peel tear by breaking the flavedo, which reached highest frequency in the snap method (7.6%). Peel tear breakage required a mean fruit detachment force value of 99.3 N, higher than the average abscission values for AZ-C (88.7 N) and AZ-A (66.6 N). The fruit that remained on the tree after canopy shaker Harvesting showed lower mean values of fruit detachment force (16.3%) than the pre-harvest fruit. The frequency of fruit with calyx with the canopy shaker and snap methods was similar, with a mean value of 36%.

  • vibration analysis of the fruit detachment process in late season valencia orange with canopy shaker technology
    Biosystems Engineering, 2018
    Co-Authors: Sergio Castrogarcia, Rafael R Solaguirado, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    The Mechanical Harvesting of juice oranges can be achieved by the application of forced vibration to the tree canopy to detach fruit. Among the available Harvesting technologies, canopy shaker systems have the advantage of working without stoppages between trees, with rods that penetrate the tree canopy generating low-frequency, high-amplitude movement. The objective of this work is to analyse the fruit detachment process to improve the design and management of canopy shaker systems, reducing the risk of damage to tree and fruit during the Mechanical Harvesting process. Three different canopy shaker systems were used to remove oranges in a well-adapted intensive orchard during the Harvesting period. The fruit detachment process was recorded with a triaxial accelerometer sensor with a datalogger inserted into each tested fruit. Fruit movement displayed a similar frequency value as harvester rods (4.1–4.9 Hz), while the resultant acceleration depended on the interaction of the tree-machine system (38.8–60.4 m s−2). The fruit detachment event occurrence required a vibration time ranging between 1.45 and 5.75 s, which can limit the machine's maximum speed. After the detachment event, fruit presented a short mean time (0.28 s) with no contact with other fruit, branch or machine. The vibration of fruit during the Harvesting process was greater, in terms of maximum acceleration, after the detachment event (527.6 m s−2) than before (401.0 m s−2). The use of a catch frame to collect fruit and of padding material in the machinery are fundamental measures to reduce the damage caused to fruit with canopy shaker technologies.

  • innovative circular path harvester for Mechanical Harvesting of irregular and large canopy olive trees
    International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2018
    Co-Authors: Rafael R Solaguirado, Gregorio L Blancoroldan, Sergio Castrogarcia, Francisco J Castilloruiz, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    The Harvesting process of the olive tree is mainly performed by manual means, because traditional olive orchards (the main planting typology) are formed of irregular, large-canopy trees that are very difficult to harvest Mechanically. For that reason, the cost of Harvesting is very high, and it threatens the future of these plantations whose conversion to other more modern layouts is not always possible due to several limitations. The introduction of a harvester may represent the technological change that is the key factor for improved competitiveness. The main purpose of this work was to develop a harvester based on canopy shaker technology for work on irregular, large trees in a circular path. The design of the harvester was based on a determination of tree geometry, together with tree training. Field tests were used to determine machine-tree interaction, and to evaluate the removal, catch frame and driven systems. The proposed innovation allowed the fully Mechanical harvest of previously planted trees with a removal efficiency of over 84%, achieving an effective field capacity of 0.21 hm2/h. Although the results so far have been promising, further improvements are advisable in machine and tree adaptation. Keywords: olive tree, olive fruit, canopy shaker, harvester, machinery design DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181103.3265 Citation: Rafael R. Sola-Guirado, Gregorio L. Blanco-Roldan, Sergio Castro-Garcia, F.J. Castillo-Ruiz, Jesus A. Gil-Ribes. Innovative circular path harvester for Mechanical Harvesting of irregular and large-canopy olive trees. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(3): 86–93.

  • frequency response of late season valencia orange to selective Harvesting by vibration for juice industry
    Biosystems Engineering, 2017
    Co-Authors: Sergio Castrogarcia, Louise Ferguson, E J Gonzalezsanchez, Gregorio L Blancoroldan, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    Citrus Mechanical Harvesting has been investigated since the 1960's. Even though Mechanical Harvesting could significantly lower production costs, the implementation by the private sector has been slow. The current Harvesting technologies detach the fruits with trunk, canopy or branch vibration. For late-season sweet orange varieties which simultaneously bear mature fruit, immature fruitlets and flowers, shaker Harvesting decreases the subsequent year's yield. This study, investigated the frequency response of mature fruits and immature fruitlets to determine the optimum frequency range for an efficient and selective harvest. Laboratory vibration transmission tests were conducted with 14 branches bearing 76 mature fruits and 151 immature ‘Valencia’ fruitlets. The fruit and branch response to the forced vibration was measured by several sets of five triaxial accelerometers with a dynamic signal analyser. Three frequency ranges with the highest vibration transmission values were identified for Mechanical Harvesting lower than 10 Hz. The first frequency range (1.5–2.5 Hz) corresponded best with the most efficient vibration transmission, involving more than 90% of fruit. The second frequency range (4.5–5 Hz) successfully discriminated between mature fruit and immature fruitlets. In this frequency range, 53.4% of mature fruit amplified the acceleration a mean value of 2.2 times, while only 7.3% of immature fruitlets amplified the acceleration with a mean value of 4.4 times. The third frequency range (7–8 Hz) had the lowest vibration transmission value. The frequency response of mature citrus fruits, and their markedly higher fruit mass, were significant factors in efficient selective Mechanical Harvesting.

Sergio Castrogarcia - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • performance evaluation of lateral canopy shakers with catch frame for continuous Harvesting of oranges for juice industry
    International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2020
    Co-Authors: Rafael R Solaguirado, Sergio Castrogarcia, Gregorio L Blancoroldan, Jesus A Gilribes, E J Gonzalezsanchez
    Abstract:

    Citrus is mainly oriented to fresh consumption, and Harvesting is usually performed manually. However, the high cost of Harvesting and the low availability of labour can compromise the profitability of the crop when it is destined to juice industry. The development of citrus Mechanical Harvesting for industrial processing is conditioned to reach a high fruit removal efficiency, with a reduced damage to both fruit and trees. The current machines available are very large, requiring extensive plantations with long rows of trees to be efficient. In this study, two lateral canopy shakers equipped with a catch frame were evaluated to harvest independently both sides of the hedge on intensive citrus plantations with the main objective of determine their performance and feasibility. The lateral canopy shakers tested were three tractor-drawn machines, one commercial machine and two prototypes. The tested machines reached a mean value of 78% of fruit removal. Besides, the prototypes, equipped with a catch frame, were able to recover a mean value of 70% of yield. Although the results were promising, for achieving an efficient result, the application of this Harvesting technology still requires a process of improvement, and the adaptation of both the machine and the plantation. The machines should reduce the amount of post-harvest ground fruit (5.9%-10.4%). Tree damages generated by the contact of the catch frame with the trunk and the metal rods with main branches were the most relevant. Therefore, it is still necessary to increase the ground speed of the machinery and improving the design of the rods, regulating the rod penetrating deep in the canopy to improve the fruit recovery and limit the damage caused to the trees. Keywords: harvester, Mechanical Harvesting, fruit removal, tree damage, Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20201303.4998 Citation: Sola-Guirado R R, Castro-Garcia S, Blanco-Roldan G L, Gil-Ribes J A, Gonzalez-Sanchez E J. Performance evaluation of lateral canopy shakers with catch frame for continuous Harvesting of oranges for juice industry. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(3): 88–93.

  • fruit abscission pattern of valencia orange with canopy shaker system
    Scientia Horticulturae, 2019
    Co-Authors: Fernando Aragonrodriguez, Sergio Castrogarcia, Rafael R Solaguirado, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    Abstract Fruit detachment can occur due to natural causes or be Mechanically performed by a combination of Mechanical stresses that cause tissue breakage in the plant. Forced abscission should not coincide with natural abscission zones (AZ). Abscission zones are very important in citrus Harvesting both in terms of the destination market and of the possible damage caused to the tree or fruit. The objective of this study is to determine the abscission pattern of sweet oranges with a canopy shaker and compare it with other detachment systems. Five plots of Valencia oranges were tested during the 2017 and 2018 Harvesting seasons, using a commercial tractor-drawn canopy shaker. The diameter, weight and breakage type were evaluated in the cases of natural fall, snap method, Mechanical Harvesting with canopy shaker, and pull test. Breakage type AZ-C predominated in natural fall (89.0%) and the snap method (79.5%). Similarly, AZ-A predominated for the canopy shaker (58.8%) and pull test (45.3%). Mechanical action on the fruit produced peel tear by breaking the flavedo, which reached highest frequency in the snap method (7.6%). Peel tear breakage required a mean fruit detachment force value of 99.3 N, higher than the average abscission values for AZ-C (88.7 N) and AZ-A (66.6 N). The fruit that remained on the tree after canopy shaker Harvesting showed lower mean values of fruit detachment force (16.3%) than the pre-harvest fruit. The frequency of fruit with calyx with the canopy shaker and snap methods was similar, with a mean value of 36%.

  • vibration analysis of the fruit detachment process in late season valencia orange with canopy shaker technology
    Biosystems Engineering, 2018
    Co-Authors: Sergio Castrogarcia, Rafael R Solaguirado, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    The Mechanical Harvesting of juice oranges can be achieved by the application of forced vibration to the tree canopy to detach fruit. Among the available Harvesting technologies, canopy shaker systems have the advantage of working without stoppages between trees, with rods that penetrate the tree canopy generating low-frequency, high-amplitude movement. The objective of this work is to analyse the fruit detachment process to improve the design and management of canopy shaker systems, reducing the risk of damage to tree and fruit during the Mechanical Harvesting process. Three different canopy shaker systems were used to remove oranges in a well-adapted intensive orchard during the Harvesting period. The fruit detachment process was recorded with a triaxial accelerometer sensor with a datalogger inserted into each tested fruit. Fruit movement displayed a similar frequency value as harvester rods (4.1–4.9 Hz), while the resultant acceleration depended on the interaction of the tree-machine system (38.8–60.4 m s−2). The fruit detachment event occurrence required a vibration time ranging between 1.45 and 5.75 s, which can limit the machine's maximum speed. After the detachment event, fruit presented a short mean time (0.28 s) with no contact with other fruit, branch or machine. The vibration of fruit during the Harvesting process was greater, in terms of maximum acceleration, after the detachment event (527.6 m s−2) than before (401.0 m s−2). The use of a catch frame to collect fruit and of padding material in the machinery are fundamental measures to reduce the damage caused to fruit with canopy shaker technologies.

  • innovative circular path harvester for Mechanical Harvesting of irregular and large canopy olive trees
    International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2018
    Co-Authors: Rafael R Solaguirado, Gregorio L Blancoroldan, Sergio Castrogarcia, Francisco J Castilloruiz, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    The Harvesting process of the olive tree is mainly performed by manual means, because traditional olive orchards (the main planting typology) are formed of irregular, large-canopy trees that are very difficult to harvest Mechanically. For that reason, the cost of Harvesting is very high, and it threatens the future of these plantations whose conversion to other more modern layouts is not always possible due to several limitations. The introduction of a harvester may represent the technological change that is the key factor for improved competitiveness. The main purpose of this work was to develop a harvester based on canopy shaker technology for work on irregular, large trees in a circular path. The design of the harvester was based on a determination of tree geometry, together with tree training. Field tests were used to determine machine-tree interaction, and to evaluate the removal, catch frame and driven systems. The proposed innovation allowed the fully Mechanical harvest of previously planted trees with a removal efficiency of over 84%, achieving an effective field capacity of 0.21 hm2/h. Although the results so far have been promising, further improvements are advisable in machine and tree adaptation. Keywords: olive tree, olive fruit, canopy shaker, harvester, machinery design DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181103.3265 Citation: Rafael R. Sola-Guirado, Gregorio L. Blanco-Roldan, Sergio Castro-Garcia, F.J. Castillo-Ruiz, Jesus A. Gil-Ribes. Innovative circular path harvester for Mechanical Harvesting of irregular and large-canopy olive trees. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(3): 86–93.

  • frequency response of late season valencia orange to selective Harvesting by vibration for juice industry
    Biosystems Engineering, 2017
    Co-Authors: Sergio Castrogarcia, Louise Ferguson, E J Gonzalezsanchez, Gregorio L Blancoroldan, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    Citrus Mechanical Harvesting has been investigated since the 1960's. Even though Mechanical Harvesting could significantly lower production costs, the implementation by the private sector has been slow. The current Harvesting technologies detach the fruits with trunk, canopy or branch vibration. For late-season sweet orange varieties which simultaneously bear mature fruit, immature fruitlets and flowers, shaker Harvesting decreases the subsequent year's yield. This study, investigated the frequency response of mature fruits and immature fruitlets to determine the optimum frequency range for an efficient and selective harvest. Laboratory vibration transmission tests were conducted with 14 branches bearing 76 mature fruits and 151 immature ‘Valencia’ fruitlets. The fruit and branch response to the forced vibration was measured by several sets of five triaxial accelerometers with a dynamic signal analyser. Three frequency ranges with the highest vibration transmission values were identified for Mechanical Harvesting lower than 10 Hz. The first frequency range (1.5–2.5 Hz) corresponded best with the most efficient vibration transmission, involving more than 90% of fruit. The second frequency range (4.5–5 Hz) successfully discriminated between mature fruit and immature fruitlets. In this frequency range, 53.4% of mature fruit amplified the acceleration a mean value of 2.2 times, while only 7.3% of immature fruitlets amplified the acceleration with a mean value of 4.4 times. The third frequency range (7–8 Hz) had the lowest vibration transmission value. The frequency response of mature citrus fruits, and their markedly higher fruit mass, were significant factors in efficient selective Mechanical Harvesting.

Jacqueline K. Burns - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Mechanical Harvesting of california table and oil olives
    Advances in horticultural science, 2010
    Co-Authors: Louise Ferguson, Sergio Castrogarcia, Jacqueline K. Burns, Kitren Glozer
    Abstract:

    Mechanical Harvesting must be developed for successful table and olive oil production in California. Both canopy contact shaking head and trunk shaking harvesters can produce processed black ripe olives that trained sensory panels and consumer panels cannot distinguish from hand-harvested olives. However, both types of harvesters remove and capture less than the 80% efficiency required for economically feasible Mechanical table olive Harvesting. The harvesters differ in their removal patterns, efficiency, and types of tree damage. No successful abscission compounds to decrease fruit removal force have been identified. Therefore, as with oil oli- ves, the tree shape must be modified for successful Mechanical table olive Harvesting. Recent results demonstra- te training to an espalier shape, with and without a trellis, in high density hedgerows, does not decrease yield. These espaliered hedgerow orchards can be harvested with both canopy contact and trunk shakers. Therefore, the traditional California table olive industry must adapt a modified version of the high density and super high density orchards, designed specifically for Mechanical Harvesting, now being developed for olive oil production in California.

  • screening fruit loosening agents for black ripe processed table olives
    Hortscience, 2008
    Co-Authors: Jacqueline K. Burns, Louise Ferguson, Kitren Glozer, William H Krueger, Richard C Rosecrance
    Abstract:

    The California table olive (Olea europaeaL.) industry relies exclusively on hand Harvesting ofits primaryManzanillo cultivar. Increased Harvesting costs haveintensified industry interest in identifying an abscission agent that can be used with developing Mechanical Harvesting technologies to increase removal rates. Table olives are harvested immature green at horticultural maturity but before physiological maturity. The goal of this research was to reevaluate the potential of ethylene-releasing compounds (ERCs) as olive-loosening agents and to screen additional candidates previously shown to accelerate citrus fruit abscission. Eleven compounds were screened at two separate table olive- growing sites (Fresno and Tehama counties) in California in September until Nov. 2006. Compounds were applied at various concentrations alone or in combination. Fruit detachment force (FDF) and percent fruit drop were measured and leaf loss assessed. Of the compounds evaluated, the ERC ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were the most efficacious. In whole tree applica- tions, concentrations of ethephon or 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid above 1000 mgL -1 reduced FDF to less than 50% of the untreated control within 17 days, but leaf drop increased with increasing concentrations. Addition of 1-methylcyclopropene reduced efficacy of ethephon and delayed leaf drop. Monopotassium phosphate + ethephon (4% and 1000 mgL -1 , respectively) reduced FDF and leaf loss was equivalent to the ethephon alone treatment. Compounds such as methyl jasmonate, coronatine, dikegulac, MAXCEL, traumatic acid, and 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole were not efficacious.

  • potential abscission agents for raisin table and wine grapes
    Hortscience, 2007
    Co-Authors: Matthew W Fidelibus, Kimberley A Cathline, Jacqueline K. Burns
    Abstract:

    . Effective abscission agents that decrease fruit detachment force (FDF) are sought by the California raisin industry to improve the continuous tray Mechanical Harvesting method. Such agents might also enable Mechanical harvest of table and wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), but few agents are known to be effective for grape. Thus, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and six other compounds known to stimulate abscission of other fruits were screened for their ability to reduce FDF of mature 'Thompson Seedless' grapes. Most compounds tested reduced FDF to some extent, but MeJA was particularly effective. Solutions containing between 45 and 4500 ppm MeJA reduced FDF by at least 50% to 85% compared with nontreated fruits. Application of 2250 and 4500 ppm MeJA to 'Thompson Seedless' vines caused 25% to 50% fruit drop, respectively, within 10 d after treatment (DAT). The efficacy of MeJA was verified in a second experiment in which solutions of 0, 1125, 2250, or 4500 ppm MeJA were applied to clusters of'Crimson Seedless' grapes; at 14 DAT, FDF declined as a linear function of MeJA applied. The grapes did not abscise, but berries treated with 2250 to 4500 ppm MeJA had slightly lower soluble solids than nontreated fruits. Solutions of 0 or 4500 ppm MeJA applied to clusters of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' and 'Merlot' grapevines reduced FDF by 66% and 75%, respectively. Fruit drop was estimated to be less than 10%. Thus, a solution containing up to 4500 ppm MeJA may be an effective abscission agent to facilitate Mechanical harvest of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' or 'Merlot'.

  • late season valencia orange Mechanical Harvesting with an abscission agent and low frequency Harvesting
    Hortscience, 2006
    Co-Authors: Jacqueline K. Burns, Fritz M Roka, Luis Pozo, Richard S Buker
    Abstract:

    An abscission agent (5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole [CMNP]) at 300 mg·L -1 in a volume of 2810 L·ha -1 was applied to Valencia orange trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.] on 22 May 2004. At this time, immature and mature fruit were present on the tree simultaneously. Three days after application, fruit were Mechanically harvested using a trunk-shake-and-catch system. The power to the shaker head was operated at full- or half-throttle (FT or HT, respectively), and the duration of trunk shaking was 2 seconds at FT or 4 seconds at FT and HT. Mature fruit removal percentage and number of immature fruit removed, and fruitlet weight and diameter were determined. Mature fruit removal percentage with 2 seconds at FT or 4 seconds at FT Harvesting ±CMNP, or 4 seconds at HT + CMNP was not significantly different and ranged between 89% to 97%. Harvesting at 4 seconds HT without CMNP removed significantly less mature fruit than any treatment. CMNP did not affect immature fruit removal by the trunk shaker. Harvesting at 4 seconds at HT removed significantly less immature fruit than 2 seconds at FT or 4 seconds at FT. No significant difference in fruitlet weight or diameter was measured between any trunk shaker harvest operation and CMNP treatment. Trunk shaking frequency was estimated to be 4.8 and 8.0 Hz at HT and FT, respectively. Yield in 2005 was determined on the same trees used for harvest treatments in 2004. CMNP did not impact yield. No significant difference in yield was seen between the hand-picked control and 4 seconds at HT, whereas yield in the remaining treatments was lower. The results demonstrate that CMNP application combined with low frequency trunk shaker Harvesting can achieve high percentage of mature fruit removal with no significant impact on return yield of the following crop.

  • Mechanical Harvesting capacity in sweet orange is increased with an abscission agent
    Horttechnology, 2005
    Co-Authors: Jacqueline K. Burns, Richard S Buker, Fritz M Roka
    Abstract:

    An abscission agent [5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP)] was applied to ‘Hamlin’ and ‘Valencia’ orange (Citrus sinensis) trees at concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 ppm in a volume of 300 gal/acre. Four days after application, fruit were Mechanically harvested with either a trunk shake-and-catch or a continuous canopy shake-and-catch system commercially used in Florida. Harvesting conditions were varied by limiting the actual trunk shake time of the trunk shaker to 2, 4, or 7 seconds, or by altering the ground speed of the canopy shaker (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mph). In general, increasing duration of shake and the application of CMNP increased percent mature fruit removal and decreased the amount of fruit remaining in the tree. Increasing CMNP concentration decreased fruit detachment force but increased post-spray fruit drop. Comparison of short duration shake times in CMNP-applied trees with trees harvested at longer durations either sprayed or not sprayed with CMNP indicated no signifi cant difference in percent mature fruit removal. The results demonstrate that CMNP application increases Harvesting capacity of trunk and canopy shakers by reducing time necessary to harvest each tree while maintaining high percent mature fruit removal.

Louise Ferguson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • frequency response of late season valencia orange to selective Harvesting by vibration for juice industry
    Biosystems Engineering, 2017
    Co-Authors: Sergio Castrogarcia, Louise Ferguson, E J Gonzalezsanchez, Gregorio L Blancoroldan, Jesus A Gilribes
    Abstract:

    Citrus Mechanical Harvesting has been investigated since the 1960's. Even though Mechanical Harvesting could significantly lower production costs, the implementation by the private sector has been slow. The current Harvesting technologies detach the fruits with trunk, canopy or branch vibration. For late-season sweet orange varieties which simultaneously bear mature fruit, immature fruitlets and flowers, shaker Harvesting decreases the subsequent year's yield. This study, investigated the frequency response of mature fruits and immature fruitlets to determine the optimum frequency range for an efficient and selective harvest. Laboratory vibration transmission tests were conducted with 14 branches bearing 76 mature fruits and 151 immature ‘Valencia’ fruitlets. The fruit and branch response to the forced vibration was measured by several sets of five triaxial accelerometers with a dynamic signal analyser. Three frequency ranges with the highest vibration transmission values were identified for Mechanical Harvesting lower than 10 Hz. The first frequency range (1.5–2.5 Hz) corresponded best with the most efficient vibration transmission, involving more than 90% of fruit. The second frequency range (4.5–5 Hz) successfully discriminated between mature fruit and immature fruitlets. In this frequency range, 53.4% of mature fruit amplified the acceleration a mean value of 2.2 times, while only 7.3% of immature fruitlets amplified the acceleration with a mean value of 4.4 times. The third frequency range (7–8 Hz) had the lowest vibration transmission value. The frequency response of mature citrus fruits, and their markedly higher fruit mass, were significant factors in efficient selective Mechanical Harvesting.

  • Mechanical Harvesting of california table and oil olives
    Advances in horticultural science, 2010
    Co-Authors: Louise Ferguson, Sergio Castrogarcia, Jacqueline K. Burns, Kitren Glozer
    Abstract:

    Mechanical Harvesting must be developed for successful table and olive oil production in California. Both canopy contact shaking head and trunk shaking harvesters can produce processed black ripe olives that trained sensory panels and consumer panels cannot distinguish from hand-harvested olives. However, both types of harvesters remove and capture less than the 80% efficiency required for economically feasible Mechanical table olive Harvesting. The harvesters differ in their removal patterns, efficiency, and types of tree damage. No successful abscission compounds to decrease fruit removal force have been identified. Therefore, as with oil oli- ves, the tree shape must be modified for successful Mechanical table olive Harvesting. Recent results demonstra- te training to an espalier shape, with and without a trellis, in high density hedgerows, does not decrease yield. These espaliered hedgerow orchards can be harvested with both canopy contact and trunk shakers. Therefore, the traditional California table olive industry must adapt a modified version of the high density and super high density orchards, designed specifically for Mechanical Harvesting, now being developed for olive oil production in California.

  • screening fruit loosening agents for black ripe processed table olives
    Hortscience, 2008
    Co-Authors: Jacqueline K. Burns, Louise Ferguson, Kitren Glozer, William H Krueger, Richard C Rosecrance
    Abstract:

    The California table olive (Olea europaeaL.) industry relies exclusively on hand Harvesting ofits primaryManzanillo cultivar. Increased Harvesting costs haveintensified industry interest in identifying an abscission agent that can be used with developing Mechanical Harvesting technologies to increase removal rates. Table olives are harvested immature green at horticultural maturity but before physiological maturity. The goal of this research was to reevaluate the potential of ethylene-releasing compounds (ERCs) as olive-loosening agents and to screen additional candidates previously shown to accelerate citrus fruit abscission. Eleven compounds were screened at two separate table olive- growing sites (Fresno and Tehama counties) in California in September until Nov. 2006. Compounds were applied at various concentrations alone or in combination. Fruit detachment force (FDF) and percent fruit drop were measured and leaf loss assessed. Of the compounds evaluated, the ERC ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were the most efficacious. In whole tree applica- tions, concentrations of ethephon or 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid above 1000 mgL -1 reduced FDF to less than 50% of the untreated control within 17 days, but leaf drop increased with increasing concentrations. Addition of 1-methylcyclopropene reduced efficacy of ethephon and delayed leaf drop. Monopotassium phosphate + ethephon (4% and 1000 mgL -1 , respectively) reduced FDF and leaf loss was equivalent to the ethephon alone treatment. Compounds such as methyl jasmonate, coronatine, dikegulac, MAXCEL, traumatic acid, and 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole were not efficacious.

  • performance evaluation of a canopy shaker harvester monitored by the olive yield monitor oym developed at ucd part iii of damage mitigation of california table olives Mechanically harvested
    2008
    Co-Authors: U A Rosa, Louise Ferguson, Kitren Glozer, William H Krueger, Jackie Burns, Sergio Castro
    Abstract:

    Manual harvest costs for olives in California account for more than 50% of grower’s gross return. Decreasing harvest cost by implementing Mechanical Harvesting with increased fruit removal efficiency, without bruising fruit, is a promising way to increase the profit margin in olive production. Two Mechanical Harvesting concepts were analyzed in 2008 to harvest table olives: canopy shaker and trunk shaker. Field tests with the DSE canopy shaker harvester have produced quality fruit acceptable to the processors, indicating the shaker head has achieved our goal of picking the fruit without producing excessive fruit injury. We do not consider the penalties imposed by the processors for excessive trash and late and shriveled fruit as fundamental problems because these could be solved by fans and Harvesting at the proper time. On the down side, however, the in-field tests and field performance of the DSE harvester, as monitored by the on-board Olive Yield Monitor (OYM)(from UC Davis), indicated that the harvester field capacity could not be increased to levels already obtained in 2007. It was a consensus, but not a surprise, because it has been pointed out by DSE that the ideal ground Harvesting speed for their harvester was around 0.25 mph. Perhaps, with operator training a speed of 0.5 mph could be attainable. However, 1.0 mph speeds are far beyond reasonable for the tested equipment. Results from our collected GPS and hand-written time losses data also indicated machine reliability needs to be increased. Time lost during the trials, because of conveyor belt overload or machine component reliability, excessively reduced the effective field capacity of the harvester.

D Schneider - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Ethephon induced oxidative stress in the olive leaf abscission zone enables development of a selective abscission compound
    BMC Plant Biology, 2017
    Co-Authors: S. Goldental-cohen, C. Burstein, Y. Mugira, S. Ben-sasson, Hanita Zemach, Ithay Biton, Adi Doron-faigenboim, Yair Many, Avi Sadeh, D Schneider
    Abstract:

    BackgroundTable olives (Olea europaea L.), despite their widespread production, are still harvested manually. The low efficiency of manual Harvesting and the rising costs of labor have reduced the profitability of this crop. A selective abscission treatment, inducing abscission of fruits but not leaves, is crucial for the adoption of Mechanical Harvesting of table olives. In the present work we studied the anatomical and molecular differences between the three abscission zones (AZs) of olive fruits and leaves.ResultsThe fruit abscission zone 3 (FAZ3), located between the fruit and the pedicel, was found to be the active AZ in mature fruits and is sensitive to ethephon, whereas FAZ2, between the pedicel and the rachis, is the flower active AZ as well as functioning as the most ethephon induced fruit AZ. We found anatomical differences between the leaf AZ (LAZ) and the two FAZs. Unlike the FAZs, the LAZ is characterized by small cells with less pectin compared to neighboring cells. In an attempt to differentiate between the fruit and leaf AZs, we examined the effect of treating olive-bearing trees with ethephon, an ethylene-releasing compound, with or without antioxidants, on the detachment force (DF) of fruits and leaves 5 days after the treatment. Ethephon treatment enhanced pectinase activity and reduced DF in all the three olive AZs. A transcriptomic analysis of the three olive AZs after ethephon treatment revealed induction of several genes encoding for hormones (ethylene, auxin and ABA), as well as for several cell wall degrading enzymes. However, up-regulation of cellulase genes was found only in the LAZ. Many genes involved in oxidative stress were induced by the ethephon treatment in the LAZ alone. In addition, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated abscission in response to ethephon only in leaves. Thus, adding antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or butyric acid to the ethephon inhibited leaf abscission but enhanced fruit abscission.ConclusionOur findings suggest that treating olive-bearing trees with a combination of ethephon and antioxidants reduces the detachment force (DF) of fruit without weakening that of the leaves. Hence, this selective abscission treatment may be used in turn to promote mechanized harvest of olives.