Progress 07/01/05 to 06/30/08
Outputs
Outputs
(1) In the spring of 2007, two selective mechanical asparagus harvesters were evaluated: (a) A single-row pull-behind asparagus harvester prototype developed by Geiger Lund Harvesters, Stockton, CA. Economic analysis indicates that a three-row harvester must recover 70% of hand-harvested yield to be viable. Although the Geiger Lund machine exhibited good reliability from the standpoint of mechanical operation, collateral damage to the asparagus beds was extensive. The result was a decline in yield with an efficiency ranging from 20 to 60% compared to hand-harvesting. (b) Oraka Developments LTD from New Zealand tested a pull-behind selective mechanical harvester. Once the Oraka machine was calibrated, its recovery was 80 to 100% compared to hand-harvesting. Due the early development stage of this harvester, it performed at a slow rate of <1 mph. (2) Rutin content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity in the asparagus spear as a function of variety and harvest time: Aliquots of extracts were analyzed for the total phenolic content according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, with rutin as the standard. A positive and significant correlation was found between total phenolics and rutin content. Results indicated that 30-44% of total phenolic content results from rutin. Asparagus bought from the local market, originating from Northern Mexico, Peru, and Central California, showed significantly lower total phenolic and rutin contents. Results showed that during the asparagus season in Washington State, asparagus varieties harvested locally have relatively higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than asparagus imported from other regions. (3) The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), vacuum skin packaging (VSP), storage temperature, and storage time on antioxidant activity of asparagus was investigated. For MAP, 0.75-1 lb of fresh asparagus spears were packed in Dupont microwave containers and were sealed with a Multivac machine. For VSP, 0.3 lb of spears were sealed in Cryovac microwave trays using the multivac machine. These types of packaging may provide a way to extend shelf life of fresh asparagus. (4) Further results suggest: (a) Modified atmosphere liners (consumer package, crate- or pallet-sized) are demonstrated to extend marketable shelf life, with a potential to eliminate one hydrocooling step in the fresh pack procedure; (b) Post harvest treatments with hot water suppress geotropic curvature and are readily adaptable to fresh-pack handling systems; (c)Post harvest Chitosan / derivative treatments are demonstrated to suppress tiprot and basal decay of spears, thus further enhancing marketable shelf-life; (d) Commercial adaptation of technical procedures proven in the laboratory to affect spear shelf-life and quality were inhibited by lack of delivery and demonstration to the industry on a wider scale, however some are now under adaptation by the Washington industry. Comparisons of hand- and machine-harvested asparagus spears destined for fresh consumption reveal virtually identical physical and visual quality attributes, with a slight advantage to hand-harvested product owing to some stem injury.
Outcomes
(1) Testing of the Oraka mechanical harvester is continuing with funds from the FY06 and FY08 special research grants. During the spring 2009 asparagus harvest in Washington, we hope to see this harvester perform well enough to start production of harvester for growers to use. This requires a machine that will harvest at least 3 rows at a time and recover at least 70% of the yield of a hand crew to be economically justifiable. (2) Elevated rutin and phenolic content have been associated to reduce risk of diseases such as cardiovascular, cancer, and diabetes. This research indicates that US asparagus, specifically asparagus produced in Washington state, has higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than foreign asparagus. This comparison was requested by the asparagus industry. (3) Results of this packaging will be sent to industry for their use to possibly extend shelf life of fresh asparagus. Research completed by Dolan indicates improved packaging technology offers the industry an alternative to conventional packaging systems and will provide extended shelf life and better quality. This will extend the availability of US fresh asparagus. (4) Further tests on procedures to extend marketable shelf life may help industry adapt to fresh-pack handling systems. Work by Fellman demonstrates potential for new packaging systems for asparagus that improves quality and shelf life of this fresh product. This group has successfully engaged the Washington asparagus packers to evaluate and use this packaging technology. Several packing houses are cooperating.
PARTICIPANTS:
Dr. Carter D. Clary, Washington State University, PI; Chris M. Read, Washington State University, Graduate Student; Dr. John K. Fellman, Washington State University, Co-PI; Dr. Joseph R. Powers, Washington State University, Scientist; Dr. Kirk Dolan, University of Michigan, Scientist.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The U.S. asparagus industry is facing increased competition from foreign producers. The actions of the Federal Government such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Andean Trade Pact have placed the Washington/Oregon and Michigan asparagus industries at a competitive disadvantage in international and domestic markets. If the U.S. asparagus industry is to insure a competitive position, it must substitute technology for labor to lower per unit costs and shift the workforce to value-added employment. Instituting new technologies is imperative for the advancement of the industry now that the wage rate is indexed by the CPI-W in Washington.
Publications
- Cakir, E., V. Sweet, J. Tang and J.R. Powers. 2007. Varietal differences in phenolic content and antioxidant activity of asparagus. Paper AGFD 067. Presented at 233rd American Chemical Society National Meeting March 25-29, 2007 Chicago, IL.
- Cembali, T., R.J. Folwell, C.D. Clary and M. Mari. 2007. Economic comparison of selective and non-selective mechanical harvesting of asparagus. International Journal of Vegetable Science. In press.
- Cembali, T., M. Mari, R.J. Folwell and C.D. Clary. 2007. Economic Analysis of improvements in asparagus harvesters with a simulation model. Trans. Am. Soc. Agric. Bio. Engrs.50(3). In press.
- Clary, C.D., T. Ball, E. Ward, S. Fuchs, J.E. Durfey, R.P. Cavalieri and R.J. Folwell. 2007. Performance and economic analysis of a selective asparagus harvester. ASABE Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 16(5)
- Nindo, C.I., T. Sun, W.W. Wang, J. Tang, and J.R. Powers. 2003. J. R. Evaluation of drying technologies for retention of physical quality and antioxidants in asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L.). Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft Und-Technologie-Food Science and Technology, 36(5): p. 507-516.
- Sun, T., J.R. Powers, and J.M. Tang. 2007. Effect of enzymatic macerate treatment on rutin content, antioxidant activity, yield, and physical properties of asparagus juice. Journal of Food Science, 72(4): p. S267-S271.
- Sun, T., J.R. Powers and J.M. Tang. 2007. Enzyme-catalyzed change of antioxidants content and antioxidant activity of asparagus juice. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 55(1): p. 56-60.
- Sun, T. J.R. Powers and J, Tang. 2007. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of asparagus, broccoli and their juices. Food Chemistry 105 (1): p101-106.
- Sun, T., J.R. Powers and J. Tang. 2007. Loss of rutin and antioxidant activity of asparagus juice caused by a pectolytic enzyme preparation from Aspergillus niger
Food Chemistry 105 (1): p 173-178
- Sun, T., J.M. Tang, and J.R. Powers 2005. Effect of pectolytic enzyme preparations on the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of asparagus juice. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(1): p. 42-48.
- Sun, T., J. Tang, and J.R. Powers. 2007. Antioxidant activity and quality of asparagus affected by microwave-circulated water combination and conventional sterilization. Food chemistry, 100: p. 813-819.
- Cakir, E., V. Sweet, J. Tang and J.R. Powers. 2006. Influence of Variety on the Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Composition of Asparagus. Paper 53 Presented at WORLDNUTRA 2006 7th International Conference and Exhibition on Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods. Reno, NV Nov 5-8, 2006.
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Progress 07/01/06 to 06/30/07
Outputs
Outputs
(1) In the spring of 2007, two selective mechanical asparagus harvesters were evaluated: (a) A single-row pull-behind asparagus harvester prototype developed by Geiger Lund Harvesters, Stockton, CA. Economic analysis indicates that a three-row harvester must recover 70% of hand-harvested yield to be viable. Although the Geiger Lund machine exhibited good reliability from the standpoint of mechanical operation, collateral damage to the asparagus beds was extensive. The result was a decline in yield with an efficiency ranging from 20 to 60% compared to hand-harvesting. (b) Oraka Developments LTD from New Zealand tested a pull-behind selective mechanical harvester. Once the Oraka machine was calibrated, its recovery was 80 to 100% compared to hand-harvesting. Due the early development stage of this harvester, it performed at a slow rate of <1 mph. (2) Rutin content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity in the asparagus spear as a function of variety and harvest time: Aliquots of extracts were analyzed for the total phenolic content according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, with rutin as the standard. A positive and significant correlation was found between total phenolics and rutin content. Results indicated that 30-44% of total phenolic content results from rutin. Asparagus bought from the local market, originating from Northern Mexico, Peru, and Central California, showed significantly lower total phenolic and rutin contents. Results showed that during the asparagus season in Washington State, asparagus varieties harvested locally have relatively higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than asparagus imported from other regions. (3) The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), vacuum skin packaging (VSP), storage temperature, and storage time on antioxidant activity of asparagus was investigated. For MAP, 0.75-1 lb of fresh asparagus spears were packed in Dupont microwave containers and were sealed with a Multivac machine. For VSP, 0.3 lb of spears were sealed in Cryovac microwave trays using the multivac machine. These types of packaging may provide a way to extend shelf life of fresh asparagus. (4) Further results suggest: (a) Modified atmosphere liners (consumer package, crate- or pallet-sized) are demonstrated to extend marketable shelf life, with a potential to eliminate one hydrocooling step in the fresh pack procedure; (b) Post harvest treatments with hot water suppress geotropic curvature and are readily adaptable to fresh-pack handling systems; (c)Post harvest Chitosan / derivative treatments are demonstrated to suppress tiprot and basal decay of spears, thus further enhancing marketable shelf-life; (d) Commercial adaptation of technical procedures proven in the laboratory to affect spear shelf-life and quality were inhibited by lack of delivery and demonstration to the industry on a wider scale, however some are now under adaptation by the Washington industry. Comparisons of hand- and machine-harvested asparagus spears destined for fresh consumption reveal virtually identical physical and visual quality attributes, with a slight advantage to hand-harvested product owing to some stem injury.
Impacts
Outcomes
(1) Testing of the Oraka mechanical harvester is continuing with funds from the FY06 and FY08 special research grants. During the spring 2009 asparagus harvest in Washington, we hope to see this harvester perform well enough to start production of harvester for growers to use. This requires a machine that will harvest at least 3 rows at a time and recover at least 70% of the yield of a hand crew to be economically justifiable. (2) Elevated rutin and phenolic content have been associated to reduce risk of diseases such as cardiovascular, cancer, and diabetes. This research indicates that US asparagus, specifically asparagus produced in Washington state, has higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than foreign asparagus. This comparison was requested by the asparagus industry. (3) Results of this packaging will be sent to industry for their use to possibly extend shelf life of fresh asparagus. Research completed by Dolan indicates improved packaging technology offers the industry an alternative to conventional packaging systems and will provide extended shelf life and better quality. This will extend the availability of US fresh asparagus. (4) Further tests on procedures to extend marketable shelf life may help industry adapt to fresh-pack handling systems. Work by Fellman demonstrates potential for new packaging systems for asparagus that improves quality and shelf life of this fresh product. This group has successfully engaged the Washington asparagus packers to evaluate and use this packaging technology. Several packing houses are cooperating.
Publications
- Clary, C.D., T. Ball, E. Ward, S. Fuchs, J. E. Durfey, R. P. Cavalieri and R. J. Folwell. 2007. Performance and economic analysis of a selective asparagus harvester. ASABE Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 16(5)
- Cakir, E., V. Sweet, J. Tang and J.R. Powers. 2006. Influence of Variety on the Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Composition of Asparagus. Paper 53 Presented at WORLDNUTRA 2006 7th International Conference and Exhibition on Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods. Reno, NV Nov 5-8, 2006
- Nindo, C.I., T. Sun, W.W. Wang, J. Tang, and J.R. Powers. 2003. J. R. Evaluation of drying technologies for retention of physical quality and antioxidants in asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L.). Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft Und-Technologie-Food Science and Technology, 36(5): p. 507-516.
- Cakir, E., V. Sweet, J. Tang and J.R. Powers. 2007. Varietal differences in phenolic content and antioxidant activity of asparagus. Paper AGFD 067. Presented at 233rd American Chemical Society National Meeting March 25-29, 2007 Chicago, IL.
- Cembali, T., R.J. Folwell, C.D. Clary and M. Mari. 2007. Economic comparison of selective and non-selective mechanical harvesting of asparagus. International Journal of Vegetable Science. In press.
- Cembali, T., M. Mari, R.J. Folwell and C.D. Clary. 2007. Economic Analysis of improvements in asparagus harvesters with a simulation model. Trans. Am. Soc. Agric. Bio. Engrs.50(3). In press.
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Progress 07/01/05 to 06/30/06
Outputs
The selective mechanical asparagus harvester was operated for a period of five consecutive days in El Centro, California at which point it obtained 56% of recovery compared to a hand crew, and additional analysis demonstrated the machine would have achieved 76% had 90% of dropped product been collected. An economic model was used to determine the break-even efficiency of the machine harvester, which was 70.15%. The machine was also operated over a period of 60 days in Pasco, Washington and each time a test was initiated, the harvester recovered more than 70% of hand harvest. Machine reliability was drastically improved from previous years and numerous improvements were made. The two sets of rollers reduced drops, the reinforced cylinders and mounting brackets decreased breakdowns, conveyor systems eliminated damage, and timing of the cut was dramatically improved. Initial test days in a field with the machine would generate a machine versus hand efficiency above the
economically acceptable point. It is possible that asparagus variety has a major impact on the harvesters ability to compete with a manual cutter. Varieties with spears that do not emerge in clusters may be more suitable for machine harvesting. Narrower blades and more sensors may be a practical solution to reduce the amount of collateral damage. Further, having control of the bed height with gauge wheels in combination with sensing systems would alleviate problems. IMPACT: 01/01/2005 TO 12/31/2005 The U.S. asparagus industry is facing increased competition from foreign producers. The actions of the Federal Government such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Andean Trade Pact have placed the Washington/Oregon and Michigan asparagus industries at a competitive disadvantage in international and domestic markets. If the U.S. asparagus industry is to insure a competitive position, it must substitute technology for labor to lower per unit costs and shift the
workforce to value-added employment. Instituting new technologies is imperative for the advancement of the industry now that the wage rate is indexed by the CPI-W in Washington.
Impacts
IMPACT: The U.S. asparagus industry is facing increased competition from foreign producers. The actions of the Federal Government such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Andean Trade Pact have placed the Washington/Oregon and Michigan asparagus industries at a competitive disadvantage in international and domestic markets. If the U.S. asparagus industry is to insure a competitive position, it must substitute technology for labor to lower per unit costs and shift the workforce to value-added employment. Instituting new technologies is imperative for the advancement of the industry now that the wage rate is indexed by the CPI-W in Washington.
Publications
- Cembali, T., Folwell, R.J., Ball, T. and C.D. Clary. 2005. Economic Comparison of Selective and Non-Selective Mechanical Harvesting of Asparagus. ASAE Paper Number: 053003. ASAE Annual International Meeting, Tampa, Florida.
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