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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
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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 multi-positioner 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