Harvesting and Handling Citrus Harvesting Methods Manual Min

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