Author
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Peterson, Donald |
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Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/19/2004 Publication Date: 1/30/2005 Citation: Peterson, D.L. 2005. Harvest mechanization progress and prospective for fresh market quality deciduous tree fruits. HortTechnology.15(1):72-75 Jan, Mar 2005 Interpretive Summary: Labor shortages and increasing costs of harvesting deciduous tree fruits for the fresh market are putting an economical burden on the U. S. fruit industry. A summary of research to mechanically harvest four of the main tree fruits is presented. Commercial mechanical harvesting is not possible because of too much damage and non uniform ripening. Factors that would improve the prospects for machine harvesting of deciduous tree fruits are presented. Technical Abstract: The availability of a skilled workforce to harvest tree fruits is a major concern of the U.S. fruit industry. Tightening of labor supplies has led to shortages in recent years. Competition from countries with significantly lower labor costs is threatening the viability of U.S. producers. Mechanization could be an effective tool to increase worker productivity and keep U.S. fruit industries competitive in the World market. No deciduous tree fruit crops are mechanically harvested for the fresh market. This manuscript discusses the reasons for lack of mechanical harvesting, research attempts to mechanically harvest tree fruits, and then speculates on requirements for successful harvest mechanization. |
