Transcript Harvesting

Harvesting and
Handling Citrus
Harvesting Methods
• Manual
–Min. Maturity standards (refer Table
1. in MLA’s paper)
–Ladders and picking containers
–Pulled from the limb- TX, FL
–Clipped- CA, FL
–Canvas or plastic sack
Contd.
Harvesting Methods
• Manual
–Wooden, plastic or metal container
Processing
› Truck trailers
› FL-90% oranges and 50% GF
› CA and AZ- 35 %
› TX- 10%
Contd.
Harvesting Methods
• Manual
–Beginning of season-spot picked
–CA: Lemons are picked with sizing
rings
–Expensive- Australia- 50% cost of
production of oranges
Contd.
Harvesting Methods
• Mechanical platforms and multipositioner OR MONOPICKER
–Research FL Dept of Citrus
–Each machine has 3 platforms
and carry up to 12 pickers
–Giant hair brush with nylon
bristles
–Investment $5,400/picker
–Power ladder - $15,000
Harvesting Methods
• Mechanical
–Reduce picking time, labor and
save atleast $ 4/ton
–Only for processing fruits
–Preharvest sprays to loosen
the fruit
–Limb and fruit interactions and
catch frame
Harvesting Methods
• Tree shakers with catch frames
• Air blasts for fruit removal
Handling
• Packing house operations
–Fig 7.3 (book) and Fig 2. from
MLA’s paper.
Cultural Practices
• Fertilization Practices
–High Nitrogen which increases
tree vigor, thereby affecting
color break
Packinghouse Treatments
• Bin Drenching
• Washing
–Increases time for degreening?
• Waxing
–Inhibits degreening
• Color Sorting
–Increases efficacy of treatment