ISOLATING DAMAGE FROM MECHANICAL HARVESTING OF APPLES

This research studied the performance of the ARS fruit-harvesting concept in relationship to apple removal efficiency and damage. There were no differences in apple removal efficiency or fruit quality between a single impulse or three rapid impulses when using the rapid displacement actuator (RDA) for fruit removal. In the canopy zone .300 mm (12 in.) from the impulse point of the RDA, removal was not significantly different between apples on short limbs and long/thin limbs. Removal outside that zone was lower and there was a significant difference between removal on short and long/thin limbs. The harvesting concept described in this article harvested 53% to 72% damage-free apples on five cultivars. Cuts and punctures were a serious problem, but bruising was also a factor limiting better quality. Apples growing inside the canopy were significantly more susceptible to damage than apples growing below the canopy. There were no significant differences in the amount of damage-free apples detached from short limbs and long/thin limbs.