Fruit Removal Research Articles

Technical Feasibility and Economic Viability of Portable Limb Shaker in Apricot Harvesting at Union Territory of Ladakh, India

Traditional harvesting methods of apricot result in significant harvesting and post-harvest losses. This study aimed at designing a mechanical apricot harvesting net with limb shakers to reduce the losses and enhance harvesting efficiency in the Ladakh region of India. The physical characteristics of apricot in terms of sphericity, limb displacement, fruit detachment force and apparent stiffness were measured for designing an apricot harvesting net and selection of frequency for harvesting. The technical feasibility of a mechanical apricot harvester was tested for shaking frequency (7, 22 and 33 Hz), limb diameter (<3 cm, 3-6 cm and > 6 cm) and collecting material used (insect shade net, 95% shade net and 75% shade net). The economic assessment was carried out in terms of benefit-cost ratio, breakeven point and payback period. The responses of fruit removal percentage, harvesting efficiency, mechanical bruising percentage and harvesting loss were recorded. The optimization of parameters revealed at 23 Hz shaking frequency and 75% shade net collecting material resulted in 97.16% fruit removal, 11.24% mechanical bruising, 88.77% harvesting efficiency and 52.79g twig losses per 10 kg of fruit removal for each treatment. The cost economics of the mechanical apricot shaker and collecting net revealed an operating cost of Rs. 246.5 per hour, benefit-cost ratio of 1.15:1, breakeven point of 1270.4 quintals and payback period of 2132 hours. The study can be beneficial for reducing drudgery and income augmentation of apricot growers of Ladakh and Kargil region of India.

Forest cover, tree structure, and fruit size as predictors of fruit consumption by birds in two tropical trees from southern Mexico

We evaluate the effect of some variables related to fruit morphology, tree structure, and forest cover on fruit consumption by birds in the tree species Conostegia xalapensis (Melastomataceae) and Bursera simaruba (Burseraceae), in a semi-humid forest of southern Mexico. Foraging observations were made in 20 trees per species from November 2020 to June 2021. We recorded a total of 18 and 22 bird species consuming the fruits of B. simaruba and C. xalapensis, respectively. Flycatchers preferred fruits of B. simaruba, while thrushes largely consumed fruits of C. xalapensis. For large birds, crop size and foliar height diversity were the most influential variables in the removal of B. simaruba fruits, while small birds were positively correlated with the foliar coverage. For C. xalapensis, forest cover negatively influenced fruit consumption by large birds, while the fruit polar diameter had a positive effect on fruit consumption by small birds. Fruit consumption of C. xalapensis by specialist birds showed a positive relationship with forest cover, while the generalists showed a negative relationship. Decreased fruit removal was observed for B. simaruba by both specialist and generalist birds in forest landscapes. Our results can help understand the drivers of the frugivore-plant relationship in semi-humid tropical forests.

TRADITIONAL STEPS OF PALM OIL (Elaeis guineensis) PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

This review examines the local steps that are involved in the palm oil production in Nigeria, which includes; harvesting palm fruits from palm trees, collecting the bunches of palm fruits to a spot, splitting the palm fruits bunches into smaller pieces known as spikelets, removal of palm fruits from spikelets, boiling of the palm fruits to soften its mesocarp, removal and grinding the palm fruits mesocarp from its endocarp, separation of palm oil from other constituents, heating the crude palm oil to obtain refined palm oil, packaging the palm oil in various sizes of sealed containers such as plastic container. Local technique of palm oil production is cheap and readily available, but it comes with poor yield. However, modern technique (the use of machine) is expensive, though, but it makes the process easier and faster, and enhances commercial palm oil production.

Analisis Perilaku Kepedulian Lingkungan Siswa di SMPN 3 Jakarta

This research aims to describe the environmental awareness behavior of students at SMPN 3 Jakarta. The study utilizes a descriptive research method with data collection techniques including questionnaires, interviews, observations, and literature review. Data analysis techniques employed are data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification. Based on the research findings, students' environmental awareness behavior at SMPN 3 Jakarta is measured through eight indicators: environmental care with a percentage of 38% in the low category, reduction of plastic waste with 33% in the moderate category, waste management with 35% in the moderate category, carbon emission reduction with 40% in the high category, energy conservation with 28% in the moderate category, tree planting with 47% in the moderate category, reuse of items with 47% in the moderate category, and protection of flora and fauna with 38% in the moderate category. The results indicate that many students do not show concern for the environment. This can be seen in behaviors such as indiscriminate littering (e.g., under desks or chairs), unauthorized removal of plants or fruits, and lack of participation in school cleanliness programs such as weekly cleaning activities and duty schedules. Reasons cited include students' laziness to clean classrooms and reliance on peers.

Drivers of intraspecific variation in seed dispersal can differ across two species of fleshy‐fruited savanna plants

AbstractVarious factors may mediate the visitation of frugivores to fruiting plants, which can dictate the quantum of seeds removed (dispersed) away from the parent plant. Past studies have laid emphasis on species‐specific factors and environmental contexts that frugivores may use as cues to make foraging decisions and differentially visit various plant species. However, differences in plant traits (intrinsic factors) and local environmental contexts (extrinsic factors) can influence the diversity and abundance of frugivores that visit individual plants of the same species, resulting in intraspecific variation in seed dispersal. We observed individuals of two co‐fruiting plant species with morphologically similar fruits—Naringi crenulata and Ziziphus oenopolia—for 134 h and examined the influence of fruit crop size, plant height, and fruiting neighborhood on the diversity of visiting avian frugivores and quantum of fruit removal for individual plants. We found that despite their similarity in fruits and sharing of a similar set of frugivore species, the two plant species differed in how they attracted frugivores, with consequences for fruit removal rates. Fruit crop size was an important determinant of fruit removal for N. crenulata¸ while plant height led to greater visitation and fruit removal for Z. oenopolia. We discuss potential reasons for the difference in frugivore visitation and fruit removal for the two plant species. Our results support a growing body of evidence that intraspecific variation in seed dispersal is pervasive and highly context‐dependent, and describe frugivore interactions of two plant species from an understudied tropical savanna.

Evaluation of fruit detachment forces and related characteristics reveals differential fruit detachments at developmental stages and cultivar differences in cashew

Cashew is an edible tree nut with great nutritional and industrial importance. Cashew fruit is unique because the true fruit (nut) grows attached to a swollen flower pedicel known as a hypocarp or cashew apple. The fruit detachment force (FDF), a quantitative measurement of the detachment of fruits from the stalk, is considered as an important parameter for the evaluation of the harvesting efficiency of machines, and the cultivar's potential for machine harvesting, and tolerances to biotic and abiotic stresses. There have been no studies on the evaluation of FDFs in cashew to date. In the current study, we investigated the detachment forces of fruits at ten different stages of development according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale, a uniform coding system for different growth or phenological stages (701, 703, 705, 707, 709, 811, 813, 815, 817, 819) in ten cashew cultivars. Fruit weight (FW), FDF/FW ratio, and fruit firmness (FF) for different fruit development stages and fruit stalk scar area (SSA) of matured (819 stage) fruits were also studied. FDF, FW, FDW/FW and FF varied significantly at the different stages of fruit development among the studied cultivars. The FDF increased from 701 to 709 stages and then decreased from 709 to 819 stages in all the studied cultivars. The FDW/FW ratio reduced with the development and maturity of the fruit. In matured fruits (811–819 stages), FW and FF showed significant negative (p value = 0.028) and positive (p value = 0.015.) correlations, respectively, with the FDF. In contrast, the SSA had no significant influence on the FDFs. As the FDF has direct implications on the fruit removal efficiency, the results of this study will be useful for designing harvesting machines, screening genotypes for stress tolerance, and identifying the optimal harvesting stage in cashew.

Lasting effects of avian‐frugivore interactions on seed dispersal and seedling establishment

Abstract The consequences of plant–animal interactions often transcend the mere encounter stage, as those encounters are followed by a chain of subsequent stages on the plant's reproductive cycle that ultimately determine fitness. Yet, the dissemination and recruitment stages of animal‐mediated seed dispersal are seldom analysed jointly, hindering a full understanding of the ecology of seed dispersal. We analyse the dispersal and recruitment of a fleshy‐fruited plant (Pistacia lentiscus), from fruit production to seedling survival up to their second year. We link early reproductive investment of individual plants to seedling recruitment and explore the role played by seed viability, the coterie of frugivores and microhabitat seed deposition. The proportion of viable seeds was generally low (mean = 34%) but highly variable among individual plants (range: 0%–95%). Seed viability did not seem to have a direct effect on individual plant's recruitment. We recorded 28 bird species feeding on P. lentiscus fruits or seeds. Their contribution to plant recruitment was mainly determined by their intensity of fruit consumption and probability to disperse viable seeds. Most frugivores presented non‐random microhabitat preferences, delivering uneven seed contributions to different sites. Post‐dispersal seed predation by rodents was the most limiting phase in P. lentiscus recruitment. Yet, microhabitats showing the lowest predation rates received the lowest seed rain. Hence, we found a decoupling of the dissemination and recruitment stages: most seeds do not arrive at the most suitable microhabitats. We estimate P. lentiscus plants need to produce c. 5 × 105 fruits to recruit a single seedling that survives to its second summer in our study site. Its success as a prevalent species in Mediterranean lowland landscapes relies on its high fecundity and thorough fruit removal and dispersal by a diversified frugivore assemblage, which compensates for the high seed unviability characteristic of this genus. Synthesis: Measuring the delayed, post‐dispersal outcomes of animal frugivory interactions may overturn inferences based on consumption observations only. Seed rain patterns are often decoupled from microhabitats' suitability for seedling recruitment. Hence, more integrative studies that encompass the entire plant reproductive cycle (from fruit production to seedling recruitment) are needed to fully understand frugivores' lasting contribution to plant regeneration in natural populations.

Frugivory and seed predation of fishtail palm (Caryota mitis Lour.) on the remote oceanic island of Narcondam, India

Abstract Oceanic islands, due to their evolutionary history and isolation, play a dual role of having high endemicity and being vulnerable to extinctions, with most known extinctions occurring on islands. Plant–animal interactions are particularly important on islands, as island systems generally have low redundancy and are more vulnerable to disruption either via extinction or by invasive species. Here, we examined the fruit removal and seed predation of a keystone palm, Caryota mitis, on Narcondam, a remote oceanic island. The island endemic Narcondam Hornbill (Rhyticeros narcondami) was the sole seed disperser of the palm (90 hours; N = 15 trees), with mean (± SE) visitation rate being 0.23 (± 0.06) individuals per hour and fruit removal rates of 3.5 (± 1.5; range: 0–16) fruits per visit, indicating a lack of redundancy in seed dispersal of the palm on this island. Whereas the invasive rodent, Rattus cf. tiomanicus, was the sole predator of palm seeds (N = 15 individual fruiting palms, 416 trap nights). Overall, 17.1% of the seeds placed (N = 375 seeds) were removed. Seeds placed under and away from the canopy, and at different densities (2 plots with 10 seeds each; 1 plot with 5 seeds, respectively), showed similar removal rates. This indicates density-independent seed predation and the lack of safe regeneration sites for Caryota mitis, with potential deleterious effects on subsequent stages of the ‘seed dispersal cycle’. Here, from a data-deficient site, we provide baseline information on the plant–frugivore interaction of a keystone palm and the potential impacts of an invasive rodent.

Evaluation of the Potential Seed Dispersal Effectiveness of Malus sieversii (Lebed.) M. Roem. by Cattle

The success of plant reproduction is highly dependent on effective seed dispersal. This study aimed to evaluate the potential seed dispersal effectiveness of cattle for Malus sieversii. The impact of cattle on the dispersal quantity and dispersal quality of M. sieversii seeds was explored based on camera trapping, GPS tracking, and germination trials. The results showed that, on average, cattle visited M. sieversii trees 477.33 times during a two-month observation period. Out of these visits, 315 were specifically for fruit removal. The fruit removal rate per cattle visit was as high as 96.67%. Additionally, cattle were able to disperse M. sieversii seeds up to a maximum distance of 533.67 m, with an average dispersal distance of 134.62 m. The average distance of cattle movement was recorded as 176.95 m/h, with peak activity observed during 11:00–13:00 and 19:00–21:00. The germination rate of M. sieversii seeds that passed through the digestive tract of cattle was significantly higher than that of control seeds. Finally, the emergence rate and survival rate of seeds dispersed by cattle to forest edges and gaps were significantly higher than those dispersed to understory. These findings suggest that cattle can serve as effective long-distance dispersers of M. sieversii seeds and may play a crucial role in the regeneration and expansion of M. sieversii populations in the Ili Botanical Garden.

Spillover of avian seed dispersers between secondary forests and degraded areas in a tropical island

Seed arrival to degraded areas often represents a limiting factor to forest regeneration, but seed-dispersing birds able to move into such areas may help to overcome such constraint. As the number of degraded areas prone to regeneration is increasing in the tropics, it is important to know which bird species and associated traits make such spillover movements. We studied the interactions between frugivorous birds and eight plant species in contiguous degraded and secondary forest areas in a Brazilian land-bridge island, evaluating the potential of avian cross-habitat spillover to disperse seeds to degraded areas and thus contribute to their vegetation recovery. We recorded 21 and 17 bird species removing fruits in degraded areas and secondary forests, respectively. Avian communities dispersing seeds in both habitats are dominated by habitat generalist species. Visitation and fruit removal rates did not differ between the two habitats. Avian cross-habitat spillovers were more frequent from secondary forests to degraded areas than the reverse. A few bird species (Dacnis cayana, Elaenia flavogaster, and Turdus spp.) stood out in the spillover between habitats due to their generalist habitat occupancy and capacity for foraging in disturbed areas. We likewise identified the plants that most attracted birds (including an exotic palm, Livistona chinensis) so as to pinpoint the plant species that may occasionally be the focus of management actions to enhance the arrival of seeds to degraded areas. We conclude that the spillover dynamics reported herein shed some light on how tropical forest regeneration could benefit from native species’ spatial behaviour, offering a biological alternative to overcome practical issues, such as seed limitation in degraded environments.

Abiotic factors similarly shape the distribution of fruit, seed and leaf traits in tropical fleshy-fruited tree communities

The distribution of plant traits is related to abiotic and biotic factors, but it is unknown whether different types of plant traits respond similarly to these factors. We simultaneously studied seed, fruit and leaf traits and their associations with abiotic and biotic factors for tree communities in the tropical mountains of southern Ecuador. We measured seed, fruit, and leaf traits on 18–33 fleshy-fruited plant species and recorded the abundance for these species on nine 1-ha forest plots located at 1000, 2000, and 3000 m a.s.l. On the same plots, we recorded abiotic (soil C/N ratio, mean temperature, and annual rainfall) and biotic factors (avian fruit removal and foliar herbivory) potentially relevant for the measured traits. We conducted principal component and RLQ analyses to test for trait-environment covariation, controlling for phylogenetic relatedness and spatial autocorrelation. We identified a trade-off between (i) seed number and seed size and between (ii) the production of few costly (nitrogen-rich) vs. many cheap (carbon-rich) fruits. Likewise, leaf trait variation was primarily associated with (i) the leaf economics spectrum and (ii) leaf size. Controlling for phylogenetic and spatial covariation, seed, fruit and leaf traits were associated with abiotic and, to a lesser extent, with biotic factors. Fruit and leaf traits linked to production costs were mainly related to soil C/N ratios, whereas traits associated with the size of seeds, fruits, and leaves were related to rainfall. Our study suggests that associations between seed, fruit and leaf traits and the abiotic environment follow similar principles in tropical tree communities.

Development of a bulk cargo fruit sampler

The design of an agricultural machine or equipment can be considered of great complexity, due to the interactions between the operator, the machine, the product and the environment. There is a lack of available technologies for collecting fruit in bulk cargo at any time from transport to industries. A limiting factor is the loading of fruits that are at the base of the cargo. This study was carried out to develop a detailed design of a bulk cargo fruit sampler that can collect fruits in any position of the x, y and z axes. A methodology was applied and adapted to execute the design. This methodology was divided into the following stages: design planning, informational design, conceptual design, preliminary design and detailed design. The variant considered the most appropriate was selected for the preliminary design and detailed design. The concepts were divided into chassis or support, sample collector and support for sample removal. The removal of fruits was carried out to maintain as much of their interaction with the environment outside the collector as possible. With the conclusion of the detailed design, it was possible to file, at the National Institute of Industrial Property, the patent for the collector of fruit samples in bulk cargo. Results obtained from fruits in the collector were used in doctoral theses.

Reproductive success, fruit removal and local distribution patterns in the early‐flowering shrub Daphne mezereum

In insect‐pollinated, bird‐dispersed plants, both investment in reproduction and reproductive success involve interactions between plants and their pollinators and dispersers. The outcome of these plant–animal interactions may be affected by the number of flowers and fruits, as well as by the plants' local environment and by spatial associations among plants. In this study we mapped the spatial distribution of individuals in a population of the early flowering, fleshy‐fruited shrub Daphne mezereum, in a forest in boreo‐nemoral Sweden. For all mapped individuals we collected data on numbers of flowers and fruits and fruit removal, for three consecutive years. We analysed spatial associations among individuals, and the effects on reproductive performance and fruit removal of plant height, numbers of flowers and fruits, distance to forest edge, and neighbouring flower and fruit density. Our results show that the density of D. mezereum increases with increasing proximity to forest edge. The number of flowers produced, as well as fruit set and fruit removal, show the same positive relationship with increasing proximity to forest edges. We further show that individuals are aggregated up to distances of about 10 m. The flower production of neighbouring conspecific individuals within 10 m is negatively related to fruit set whereas the fruit production of neighbours is positively related to fruit removal. Our main conclusion is that the spatial distribution of D. mezereum affects reproductive success and fruit removal, which in turn has the potential to feed back to the spatial distribution pattern. Combining studies of reproduction with spatial analyses is important to advance our understanding of the dynamics of plant populations.

Comparative Evaluation of Manual and Mechanical Jamun Fruit Harvesting

Background: An engine operated jamun harvester to shake the limb with adjustable shaking frequency and amplitude was developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of the jamun harvester and determine the suitable shaking frequency and amplitude to obtain maximum harvesting efficiency. Methods: A 4×3 factorial experiment with completely randomized design was conducted to investigate the effects of shaking amplitude (10, 20, 30 and 40 mm) and frequency (2, 4 and 6 Hz) on percentage matured jamun harvested, fruit removal percentage and harvesting efficiency. Result: Analysis of variance and mean comparison showed that the shaking amplitude and shaking frequency both had significant effect on percentage matured jamun harvested, fruit removal percentage and harvesting efficiency. The fruit removal percentage increased at higher levels of shaking amplitude and frequency. Complete fruit removal (100%) was achieved at 6 Hz shaking frequency and 40 mm amplitude, however shattering of leaves and immature fruits were observed. Therefore, shaking amplitude of 30 mm and shaking frequency of 6 Hz was recommended for Jamun harvesting with 93.15% fruit removal and 64.33% harvesting efficiency. The fruit detachment force to fruit weight ratio (FDF/W) of Jamun varied from 1.46 to 0.23. The cost of harvesting of jamun by the developed harvester was found to be approx. Rs. 9/- as compared to Rs. 15/- per kg fruit for manual harvesting.

Simulated extreme climate event alters a plant-frugivore mutualism

Anthropogenic climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. These extreme events may affect interactions in mutualisms that provide key ecosystem functions, especially when the event is rare for a given system and participants are differentially affected. The tropical hardwood hammocks of Key Largo, Florida, USA are inhabited by a highly specialized endangered rodent, the Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli), which may be an important seed disperser of many native fleshy-fruited plant species. Other potential mammalian dispersers are generalist omnivores, northern raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), that are less selective. We sought to demonstrate that extreme climate events could alter seed dispersal mutualisms by differentially affecting fruit preference of potential dispersers. We designed a replicated cafeteria-style experiment across the entire range of the Key Largo woodrat with fruit from sixteen native plant species and simulated an extreme climate event by exposing half of the fruits to sub-freezing temperatures. Freezing temperatures are rare in this tropical environment, but increased frequencies of these types of extreme events are predicted with climate change. Using camera traps, we monitored the removal of fruit and seeds by woodrats and the generalist consumers, predicting that changes in fruit quality resulting from exposure to sub-freezing temperatures would reduce preference by the more specialized woodrat relative to its generalist consumers. Indeed, exposure to subfreezing temperatures decreased the probability of fruit and seed removal by woodrats while generalist consumers preferentially removed more of the fruits and seeds exposed to sub-freezing temperatures. These data provide evidence that extreme climate events may affect species preferences for food asymmetrically, which may shift the dynamics of seed dispersal mutualisms. Over time, increasing frequencies of extreme weather events could indirectly affect communities and ecosystem services by shifting interactions between organisms.

Influence of the nurse-protégé interaction on the frugivory pattern of the columnar cactus Pilosocereus leucocephalus.

Nurse plants provide benefits during the early life cycle of the protected plant by reducing the intensity of stressful abiotic conditions. However, nurse plants may influence frugivore visitation and consumption, affecting the initial benefits of this interaction and generating different frugivory patterns during the reproductive phase of the protégé. Despite the importance of nurse plants and frugivory in the structure and composition of ecosystems, they have rarely been evaluated together, and frugivory patterns caused by nurse plants at different spatial and temporal scales are mostly unknown. Pilosocereus leucocephalus produces seeds that are endozoochorically dispersed by birds and mammals, can establish in open spaces devoid of arboreal vegetation (OS), and is associated with the nurse tree Lysiloma acapulcensis. However, the influence of L. acapulcensis on the frugivory patterns of P. leucocephalus is unknown. Therefore, during the fruiting season of P. leucocephalus of 2018, we recorded the visitation rates, effective removal, and removal timescales in 26 individuals located in OS and 15 under L. acapulcensis. Our results indicate that L. acapulcensis increased visits by Euphonia hirundinacea and bats but decreased those of Psilorhinus morio and Campylorhynchus rufinucha. Although L. acapulcensis did not generate differences in fruit removal effectiveness, bats showed the highest effectiveness in OS, followed by birds. L. acapulcensis also had an effect on the fruit removal periods of different frugivorous species at different temporal scales. This shows that the nurse tree generated a complex pattern of frugivory in P. leucocephalus, mainly increasing the initial benefits of the nurse-protégé interaction.

Pruning as a production factor of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao l.)

Pruning is one of the main tasks that must be taken into account in the management of a cacao plantation. Its proper application stimulates production, facilitates the harvest of ripe fruits and the removal of fruits and organs diseased by Cacao frosty pod rot and Witches´ Broom. Essentially, pruning consists of removing suckers, branches that grow downwards and to the sides, intertwined branches, twigs that form inside the crown, and the tipping of upper branches to preserve the proper height of the trees.

Antibacterial Activity of Silver Functionalized Bacterial Cellulose isolated from Acetobacter Tropicalis Jcp OK356208.1 from Rotten Orange

Adequate disposal of solid waste products is one of the uncertainties of mankind. The removal of rotten fruits and vegetables has been an increasing issue in the municipal waste management. The recycling of rotten fruits and vegetables into some value added products will be a promising approach for the future waste management. Many established research works indicate the isolation of Acetobacter species from rotten fruits and vegetables. In the present study, five types (AB01, AB02, AB03, AB04, AB05) of different Acetobacter strains were isolated from a variety of rotten fruits samples. Out of that, we successfully screened out Acetobacter tropicalis jcp OK356208.1 from rotten orange samples. The isolate was identified by both phenotypic and genotypic methods. The isolates were screened for their production capacity of both vinegar and cellulose. Hence, through this present investigation, the isolation of a commercially valuable Acetobacter strain was made possible which can be successfully employed for the production of vinegar and cellulose under optimum conditions. Bacterial cellulose is a biopolymer with magnificent implementations in most of the fields such as biomedical, industrial, food and other diverse biotechnological areas. Exploitation of BC as a wound healing material is one of the keen areas of research field.

Simultaneous Trunk and Canopy Shaking Improves Table Olive Harvester Efficiency versus Trunk Shaking Alone

Production of California table olives has declined significantly in recent years due to hand harvesting costs, often over 60% of gross return. Mechanical harvesting could sharply decrease harvest costs, increasing economic viability. Mechanical harvester efficiency is a combination of the percentage of the total fruit on a tree removed by a harvester, and the time required to do so. A comparison between an experimental canopy contact shaker and a commercial trunk shaker demonstrated low harvest efficiencies and no significant differences in harvester efficiency between the two, averaging no more than 8%. However, simultaneously combining both shaking methods increased fruit removal to an economically feasible 75% and produced better fruit quality. Combining both shaking methods increased the price per ton by 63% versus trunk shaking and 35% versus canopy shaking. These results suggest a mechanical olive harvester that simultaneously combines trunk and canopy shaking is more efficient than either shaking method alone, and, has potential for economically feasible mechanical table olive harvesting.

基于能量利用率的油茶果机械化采摘试验与分析

In order to use the resonance principle for vibratory picking of Camellia oleifera fruit, the frequency sweep tests were carried out on the fruiting branches of Camellia oleifera trees. The results showed that the acceleration response of fruit-bearing branches had good consistency. The use of fruit removal rate alone to evaluate the picking effect is not reliable, and the introduction of energy utilization to evaluate the vibration picking effect is significant. The best results were a vibration frequency of 8 Hz and an excitation time of 10 s. The fruit removal rate was 88.12% and the energy utilization rate was 36.72%. Compared with the traditional fruit shedding rate, the application of energy utilization rate to evaluate the picking effect can improve the reliability of the results and reduce the energy loss.