Progress 03/01/09 to 02/28/14
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Since 2009, research has produced the following: 1. The in-field evaluation of Haws Asparagus Harvester was completed in 2012 in order to collect field data on the mechanized harvester efficiency parameters using a field plot experimental design and field scale tests. The data collected included field speed, the number of asparagus spears missed in a harvesting pass, and the number of spears damaged in the harvesting process. The harvester was tested and demonstrated to be effective and able to be used full-time at a field scale.
The harvester efficiency results were reported to the Washington Asparagus Commisssion.
An economic evaluation of the harvester was completed and a Working Paper was writted through Washington State University's School of Economic Sciences.
The efficiency and economic information was presented and the harvester was demonstrated at a field day.
Report results were also presented at the annual Washington Asparagus Growers summer meeting.
Harvester information was presented at the Washington and California Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Farmers producer education workshops and are available on-line at http://www.taaforfarmers.org/commodity/. 2. A USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiatve (SCRI) planning grant was approved in late 2009 - Placing Fruit Canopy Management Automation Technology in the Field. 3. Work continued on establishing that pre-drying and freezing fruit will extend the processing season to a year-round basis, and confirming the commercial potential for application of microwave vacuum dehydration. PARTICIPANTS: USDA Special Grants, Washington State University's Ag Research Center, Washington Asparagus Commission, Washington Red Raspberry Commission TARGET AUDIENCES: Fruit and vegetable production industry, Washington agriculture and food processing PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1. The economic analysis demonstrated that the asparagus harvester is economically feasible at the farm scale and operating the harvester over a full harvesting season. Through the TAA program, the harvester economic analysis was presented to asparagus producers in Washington, California and Michigan. Following our presentation in California, producers expressed interest in purchasing the harvester as a joint venture. 2. The three year SCRI grant researched fruit canopy management automation technology especially in the production of cane berries. As a result, the team developed objectives and approaches for the proposed full-scale research, and has started forming an advisory committee of growers and researchers. Our tentative Goal is to use a system's approach to substantially reduce the overall cost for cane berry canopy management and reduce labor dependence by 50% while minimizing crop losses and improving fruit quality. 3. The long-term goal of developing and refining microwave vacuum dehydration is to improve the quality and value of dried fruits and other fruit products. Developing a better understanding of the dielectric properties of fruits and the relationship with moisture content will contribute to a more successful application of the technology on a commercial basis.
Publications
- C.D. Clary and C.M. Read, Asparagus Harvester Trials Evaluation of the Haws Selective Mechanical Harvester, Washington Asparagus Commission, December 2010.
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Following are the long term outputs for this project. In anticipation of retirement in May 2012, it was not feasible to develop new projects that would likely extend beyond the date of my retirement. Objectives: 1. Establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors. 2. Develop and improve harvesting and processing technologies to increase the value of fruits and vegetables. 3. Conduct fundamental research to support the improvement and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Harvesting: The goal is the development of a multi-row harvester capable of harvesting 50 acres per day of pack-out grade fresh asparagus. Processing: The long-term goal of developing and refining microwave vacuum dehydration is to improve the quality and value of dried fruits and other fruit products. Developing a better understanding of the dielectric properties of fruits and the relationship with moisture content will contribute to a more successful application of the technology on a commercial basis.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The objectives of this research were to: 1 Evaluate a mechanical asparagus harvester prototype for performance related to yield, quality and reliability. 2 Confer with the leadership of the Washington asparagus industry to determine whether or not to develop a commercial scale machine. 3 Proceed with evaluation of a new harvester configuration in 2009. Since 2006, 5 harvester prototypes were evaluated with limited positive results. A multi-row prototype manufactured by Kim Haws of Agri-Trac Inc., Mesa, WA was selected for evaluation in 2009. The goal is the development of a multi-row harvester capable of harvesting 50 acres per day of pack-out grade fresh asparagus. Although the harvester was not ready at the start of harvest, there was the opportunity to test it later in the season. Performance was very good, meaning the harvester recovered 80% of asparagus compared to hand harvesting operating over 3 rows at 5 mph. Full season evaluation is planned for 2010/2011. Full reports will be available upon request. PARTICIPANTS: USDA Special Grants, Ag Research Center, Washington Asparagus Commission, Cooperating growers and packers TARGET AUDIENCES: USDA Special Grants, Ag Research Center, Washington Asparagus Commission, Cooperating growers and packers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Developing and adopting harvesting technology for asparagus and other fruits and vegetables provides an important means for the food production system to address increasingly urgent concerns including global competition and ensures maintaining Washington State's position in national and international markets. Past research has indicated that mechanical harvesting of asparagus is not economical, based on high capital cost and low labor costs (Hopper and Folwell, 1998, Folwell and others, 2000). Our work indicates that due to global competition and the cost of labor particularly in the State of Washington, mechanical asparagus harvesting is a practical solution if the harvester can meet the performance specification noted above (Clary and others, 2007).
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives: 1. Establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors. 2. Develop and improve harvesting and processing technologies to increase the value of fruits and vegetables. 3. Conduct fundamental research to support the improvement and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. Harvesting: Since 2006, 5 harvester prototypes were evaluated with limited positive results. A multi-row prototype manufactured by Kim Haws of Agri-Trac Inc, Mesa, WA was selected for evaluation in 2009. Harvester performance was 80% of hand harvest yield which indicates potential for commercialization. More extended trials will proceed in 2010. In addition to asparagus harvesting, a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiatve (SCRI) planning grant was approved in late 2009 - Placing Fruit Canopy Management Automation Technology in the Field. Processing: Establishing that pre-drying and freezing fruit will extend the processing season to a year-round basis will confirm the commercial potential for application of microwave vacuum dehydration. Work also included the evaluation of the antioxidant content of small fruits including blueberries and raspberries. Results indicated retention of antioxidants superior to other drying methods. This work has served as a platform for process development with a Washington fruit processor in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: USDA Special Grants, Washington State University's Ag Research Center, Washington Asparagus Commission TARGET AUDIENCES: Fruit and vegetable production industry, refereed journals PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Harvesting: The goal is the development of a multi-row harvester capable of harvesting 50 acres per day of pack-out grade fresh asparagus. Processing: The long-term goal of developing and refining microwave vacuum dehydration is to improve the quality and value of dried fruits and other fruit products. Developing a better understanding of the dielectric properties of fruits and the relationship with moisture content will contribute to a more successful application of the technology on a commercial basis.
Publications
- Setiady, D., J. Tang, F. Younce, B. Swanson, B. Rasco and C.D. Clary*. 2009. Porosity and dehydration properties of dehydrated Russet potatoes using microwave vacuum, heated air or freeze dehydration. ASABE Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 25(5):719-724.
- Setiady, D., F. Younce, B.A. Rasco and C.D. Clary*. 2009. Rehydration and sensory properties of dehydrated Russet potatoes using microwave vacuum, heated air or freeze dehydration. In press: Drying Technology, 27(10).
|
Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives: 1. Establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors. 2. Develop and improve harvesting and processing technologies to increase the value of fruits and vegetables. 3. Conduct fundamental research to support the improvement and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. Harvesting: Four harvester prototypes were evaluated in 2006. It was recommended to continue evaluation of two of the prototypes in 2007 and one prototype in 2008. Complications in development will defer testing until the spring of 2009. This unit is made by Oraka Harvesters, New Zealand. The other harvester that did not perform sufficiently for continued evaluation was built by Geiger Lund, Stockton, CA. Processing: Establishing that pre-drying and freezing fruit will extend the processing season to a year-round basis will confirm the commercial potential for application of microwave vacuum dehydration. Work also included the evaluation of the antioxidant content of small fruits including blueberries and raspberries. Results indicated retention of antioxidants superior to other drying methods. PARTICIPANTS: USDA Special Grants, Ag Research Center, IMPACT Center WSU, Washington Asparagus Commission, Washington Red Raspberry Commission TARGET AUDIENCES: Fruit and vegetable production industry, Refereed journals PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Harvesting: The goal is the development of a multi-row harvester capable of harvesting 50 acres per day of pack-out grade fresh asparagus. Processing: The long-term goal of developing and refining microwave vacuum dehydration is to improve the quality and value of dried fruits. Developing a better understanding of the dielectric properties of fruits and the relationship with moisture content will contribute to a more successful application of the technology on a commercial basis.
Publications
- Mejia-Meza, E., J.Yanez, C.M.Remsberg, N.Davies, B.Rasco, F.L.Younce, and C.Clary. 2008. Improving nutritional value of dried blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L) combining microwave-vacuum, hot-air drying and freeze drying technologies. Journal of Food Engineering. 4(6):1-6.
- Clary, C., T.Ball, E.Ward, S.J.Fuchs, J.E.Durfey, R.P.Cavalieri, and R.J.Folwell. 2008. Performance and economic analysis of a selective asparagus harvester. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 23(5):571-577.
- Hui, Y., C.Clary, M.Farid, A.Noomhorm, and J.Welt-Chanes. 2008. Food Drying Science and Technology. Lancaster, PA. DEStech Publications, Inc..
|
Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objectives (1) Establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors by completion (a) of an International Marketing Program for Agricultural Commodities and Trade (IMPACT) project and (b) research for the Washington Red Raspberry Commission (2) Develop and prove harvesting and processing technologies to increase the value and productivity of fruits and vegetables by (a) leading a team for evaluation of mechanical asparagus harvesters, (b) conducting harvest performance evaluations in commercial fields located in Stockton, CA and Pasco, WA and (c) providing results and recommendations to the Washington Asparagus Industry. (3) Provide support in the proof and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. In addition to the two projects outlined previously, research is underway to study the principles of microwave vacuum dehydration to develop a better understanding
of the process. Three projects have been funded by the IMPACT Center. Interest in microwave vacuum dehydration technology has underwritten two research projects in 2007. Although funding has supported product development for the contractor, it has also provided support in research focused on characterizing the process to gain a better understanding of the effects of microwave heating during dehydration. In addition, efforts continue to support the commercialization of this technology.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Washington agriculture and food processing
Impacts
Developing new technologies in harvesting and processing of fruits and vegetables provides an important means for the food production system, including producers and processors, to address increasingly urgent concerns including global competition, maximizing the healthfulness and nutrition of foods, and maintaining Washington state's position in national and international markets. Changes in international trade policies have presented significant challenges to agriculture in Washington state. Research and development in collaboration with Tree Top, Inc. targets repositioning this domestic supplier of fruit ingredients to produce value-added products that off-shore competitors are unable to reproduce. Currently, Tree Top's production of traditional dried fruits is being eroded by off-shore production of these commodities at reduced cost. The asparagus industry has also been impacted by imports of asparagus from Peru. This has prompted the industry to re-evaluate
mechanical harvesting in order to reduce production costs.
Publications
- Setaidy, D., C.Clary, F.L.Younce, and B.Rasco. 2007. Optimizing drying conditions for microwave vacuum drying of Russett potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). Drying Technology-An International Journal 25(9):1479-1485.
- Clary, C., E.Mejia-Meza, S.Wang, and V.E.Petrucci. 2007. Improving grape quality using microwave vacuum drying associated with temperature control. Journal of Food Science : An Official Publication of the Institute of Food Technologists. 72(1):E023-E028.
|
Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Objectives: (1) Establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors by (a) completion of a Phase II project for the Washington Technology Center in collaboration with Tree Top Inc. and (b) approval of a continuation of a Phase II project with WTC and Tree Top for 2006. (2) Develop and prove harvesting and processing technologies to increase the value and productivity of fruits and vegetables by (a) leading a team for evaluation of mechanical asparagus harvesters, (b) conducting harvest performance evaluations in commercial fields located in Stockton, CA and Pasco, WA and (c) providing results and recommendations to the Washington Asparagus Industry. (3) Provide support in the proof and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. In addition to the two projects outlined previously, research is underway to study the principles of microwave vacuum
dehydration to develop a better understanding of the process. Three projects have been funded by the IMPACT Center. Interest in microwave vacuum dehydration technology has underwritten four research projects in 2006. Although funding has supported product development for the contractor, it has also provided support in research focused on characterizing the process to gain a better understanding of the effect of microwave heating during dehydration. In addition, efforts continue to support the commercialization of this technology.
Impacts
Developing new technologies in harvesting and processing of fruits and vegetables provides an important means for the food production system including producers and processors to address increasingly urgent concerns including global competition, maximizing the healthfulness and nutrition of foods, and ensures maintaining Washington state's position in national and international markets. Changes in international trade policies have presented significant challenges to agriculture in Washington state. Research and development in collaboration with Tree Top, Inc. and the Washington Technology Center targets repositioning this domestic supplier of fruit ingredients to produce value-added products that off-shore competitors are unable to reproduce. Currently, Tree Top's production of traditional dried fruits is being eroded by off-shore production of these commodities at reduced cost. The asparagus industry has also been impacted by imports of asparagus from Peru. This has
prompted the industry to re-evaluate mechanical harvesting to reduce production costs.
Publications
- Clary, C., A.Gamache, M.Cliff, J.K.Fellman, and C.G.Edwards. 2006. Flavor and aroma attributes of Riesling wines produced by freeze concentration and microwave vacuum dehydration. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. 30(4):393-406.
- Clary, C., E.Mejia-Meza, S.Wang, and V.E.Petrucci. 2006. Improving Grape Quality Using Microwave Vacuum Drying Associated with Temperature Control. Journal of Food Science: An Official Publication of the Institute of Food Technologists. 72(1).
|
Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Our work set out to: (1) establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors by (a) completion of a Phase II project for the Washington Technology Center in collaboration with Tree Top Inc. and (b) approval of a continuation of a Phase II project with WTC and Tree top for 2006. We also were to: (2) create and prove harvesting and processing technologies to increase the value and productivity of fruits and vegetables by (a) leading a team for evaluation of mechanical asparagus harvesters, (b) conducting harvest performance evaluations in commercial fields located in El Centro, CA and Pasco, WA and (c) providing results and recommendations to the Washington Asparagus Industry. Finally, we were to: (3) provide support in the proof and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. In addition to the two projects outlined previously, research is underway to
study the principles of microwave vacuum dehydration to develop a better understanding of the process. Our IMPACT Center project accepted in December, 2004 - Improving value and quality of dried fruits using microwave vacuum technology and the work was in progress in 2005. Another IMPACT Center project was accepted in 2005, Improved Quality Attribute Retention in High-Value Horticultural Crops via Microwave-Vacuum Drying Technology (This work will commence in 2006). Interest in microwave vacuum dehydration technology has underwritten four research projects in 2005/6. Although funding has supported product development for the contractor, it has also provided support in research focused on characterizing the process to gain a better understanding of the effect of microwave heating during dehydration. In addition, efforts continue to support the commercialization of this technology.
Impacts
Developing new technologies in harvesting and processing of fruits and vegetables provides an important means for the food production system including producers and processors to address increasingly urgent concerns including global competition, maximizing the healthfulness and nutrition of foods, and ensures maintaining Washington states position in national and international markets. Changes in international trade policies have presented significant challenges to agriculture in Washington State. Research and development in collaboration with Tree Top, Inc. and the Washington Technology Center targets repositioning this domestic supplier of fruit ingredients to produce value-added products that off-shore competitors are unable to reproduce. Currently, Tree Top's production of traditional dried fruits is being eroded by off-shore production of these commodities at reduced cost. The asparagus industry has also been impacted by imports of asparagus from Peru. This has
prompted the industry to re-evaluate mechanical harvesting in order reduce production costs.
Publications
- Clary, C.D., D. Schmidtgall-McMillan and V.E. Petrucci. 2005. A method for reducing the amount of sulfur used to produce golden raisins. Applied Journal ASAE. 21(3):473-477 Clary, C.D., S. Wang and V.E. Petrucci. 2005. Fixed and incremental levels of microwave power application on drying grapes under vacuum. J. Food Science. 70(5):344-349.
|
Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
1. Establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors. Background: I have collaborated with colleagues, industry groups, commissions and companies to determine specific needs for research. Evidence of Success: One project was completed for the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. A Phase I project was completed for the Washington Technology Center and a Phase II project was approved for 2005. One project was completed for the Washington Potato Commission. Finally, a proposal submitted to the IMPACT Center was accepted in December, 2004. A proposal was submitted to the Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research in August, 2004. 2. Create and prove harvesting and processing technologies to increase the value of fruits and vegetables. In 2004, I collaborated on a project developing an asparagus harvester. This is consistent with this objective from the standpoint of evaluating mechanical harvesting
systems for recovery and losses. This project has potential funding for three years. 3. Provide support in the proof and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables.Interest in microwave vacuum dehydration technology has underwritten five research projects in 2004. Although funding has supported product development for the contractor, it has also provided support in research focused on characterizing the process to gain a better understanding of the effect of microwave heating during dehydration. In addition, efforts continue to support the commercialization of this technology. Adoption of this technology was recognized by V. Lane Rawlins at the Salute to World Class Inventors, September 17, 2004. Projects include: 1)Development of Value Added Dried Apple Products-Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission; 2)Value Added Research for Potato Culls and Waste--IMPACT Center/Washington Potato Commission; 3)MIVAC Production of Fresh and
Frozen Prototype Fruits for Cereal Inclusions--Washington Technology Center, Phase I (completed 2004); 4)MIVAC Production of Fresh and Frozen Prototype Fruits for Cereal Inclusions--Washington Technology Center, Phase II (approved 2004); 5)Improving Value and Quality of Dried Fruits using Microwave Vacuum Technology--IMPACT Center (approved November 2004); and, 6)Improving Quality of Dried Fruits Using Continuous Wave Microwave Vacuum Technology--Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research (pending).
Impacts
Developing new technologies in harvesting and processing of fruits and vegetables provides an important means for the food production system including producers and processors to address increasingly urgent concerns including global competition, maximizing the healthfulness and nutrition of foods, and ensures maintaining Washington state's position in national and international markets. Changes in international trade policies have presented significant challenges to agriculture in Washington State. Research and development in collaboration with Tree Top, Inc. and the Washington Technology Center targets repositioning this domestic supplier of fruit ingredients to produce value-added products that off-shore competitors are unable to reproduce. Currently, Tree Top's production of traditional dried fruits is being eroded by off-shore production of these commodities at reduced cost. The asparagus industry has also been impacted by imports of asparagus from Peru. This has
prompted the industry to re-evaluate mechanical harvesting in order reduce production costs.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Progress in Achieving Objectives - Year 2. 1. Establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors. - Two research projects were completed for the tree fruit industry in 2002/3. In 2003/4, the WTFRC continued funding on apple product development, the Potato Commission funded work on potato product development, and a proposal to the Washington Technology Center was approved. 2. Create and prove harvesting and processing technologies to increase the value of fruits and vegetables. - The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission funded a project for 2002/3 entitled "Identification of target and cull fruit pre- and post-harvest"(# PH-02-248) in which a university-industry team was organized to identify manufacturers of harvest systems for tree fruit. The team made contact with six manufacturers and evaluated ten different machine configurations. Two types of machines were tested in Washington and Oregon this
past season. Proposed research for 2003/4 targeted field evaluation of worker carrier and fruit handling systems. The proposal was denied. The post-harvest committee did not accept the proposal because it did not fit within the scope of this committee. The dilemma is there is not other committee that is a better fit. I will resubmit in 2004 with a focus on methods of improving quality of delivered fruit. 3. Provide support in the proof and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. - A sponsored research project on developing new value-added apple products was funded by the WTFRC in 2002/3 and again in 2003/4 (Project PH-02-247). This project underwrote production of dried fruit products for distribution to interested food companies. This, in conjunction with the press releases announcing the donation of several patents by Boeing to WSU that govern the technology, has attracted the interest of several companies. - Hits from ten
food processing companies regarding adoption of the technology of which; - NutriLoc Corp, Vancouver, BC (http://www.nutriloc.com/nutriloc.html) has negotiated a license with the WSURF for use of the technology in a commercial application.
Impacts
Tree Top / WTC Project - The cereal business segment is exhibiting rapid growth in the use of non-traditional dried fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and peaches. These inclusions are being produced by traditional drying systems. Current methods of drying are a problem. In order to dry delicate fruits and berries without degradation of shape, color and flavor, it is necessary to employ either vacuum- or freeze-drying equipment. These are batch systems that are labor intensive and produce small quantities of expensive products. There is an industry need for a drying system that produces these types of dried products in a continuous and economical way - microwave vacuum drying. Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission has funded continued development of dried apple products for distribution to food companies. Testing will develop a better understanding of the microwave vacuum process. A collaborative project with the Washington Potato Commission
will investigate ways to use potato culls and waste to add value. My role in this project is to develop food applications using microwave vacuum dehydration.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Progress in Achieving Objectives: Objective 1. Establish collaborative research projects with the fruit and vegetable production and processing industry sectors. - University and industry representatives were identified and assessed for needs in development of improved harvesting, handling and production systems. There was some success with the winegrape industry, but their priorities in this area were lower than other production issues. Nevertheless, a good relationship was established with potential opportunities for future research. The tree fruit industry demonstrated a high level of interest in improving quality and reducing production costs by developing production, harvesting and processing systems using mechanization and new technologies. Being a new CRIS project, progress toward developing new funding seemed be based on a level of confidence in a researcher new to this region. Objective 2. Create and prove harvesting and processing technologies to increase
the value of fruits and vegetables. - Funding from the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission targeted improving the harvesting system. Being a new project, funding was limited to background research in order to demonstrate performance and producing results relevant to industry needs. This is a highly motivated commodity group with a clear plan for remaining competitive using new technologies. Proposed research for 2003 will address field evaluation of several harvesting systems that will serve as a platform for immediate adoption of new harvesting and handling systems, and automated precision harvesting systems in the future. Objective 3. Provide support in the proof and implementation of microwave technologies for processing and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. - Work focused on identifying food companies interested in applying microwave vacuum dehydration to produce high quality dried fruit products. A sponsored research project on developing new value-added apple products
was funded by the apple industry. In addition, preliminary evaluations have been completed for several food processors using the microwave equipment purchased for developing this research program. Relocation of this program to WSU prompted The Boeing Company to donate several patents to the university. This positions WSU as the center for microwave vacuum dehydration research.
Impacts
Horticultural crops for fresh market currently rely heavily on hand labor, which can account for almost 50 percent of production costs. The cost of labor in the U.S. is not competitive with foreign producers. The challenge is to develop and optimize production, harvesting and processing systems to maintain a competitive and domestic production system for fruits and vegetables. For over 20 years, there has been a significant reduction at academic and federal institutions in research and development of mechanical systems for harvesting and handling of fruits and vegetables. Recent developments in re-evaluating production systems in horticultural crops offer potential for new research. The winegrape and tree fruit industries in Washington State are focusing on quality and efficiency. In particular, the apple industry is addressing ways to optimize their production system with the target of reducing production costs by 30 percent in the next 10 years. At the same time,
academic and federal institutions are reconsidering development of programs in precision automation of production and harvesting systems. WSU has hosted a research-industry roundtable to discuss development of research programs that address the immediate needs of the tree fruit industry and produce deliverables for immediate application to the production system. The objectives of this CRIS research project are consistent with industry and academic goals.
Publications
- Petrucci, V. and C. Clary (Eds.). 2002. Edited Book - A Treatise on Raisin Production, Processing and Marketing. Malcom Media Press.
- Petrucci, V., and C. Clary. 2002. Book Chapter - Raisin Storage and Processing. IN: A Treatise on Raisin Production, Processing and Marketing. Malcolm Media Press. Chapter 8 pp 145-154 and Chapter 9, pp. 155-164.
|
|