Progress 10/01/00 to 02/10/04
Outputs
(N/A)
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- PETERSON, D.L., WHITING, M.D., WOLFORD, S.D. FRESH MARKET QUALITY TREE FRUIT HARVESTER, PART I: SWEET CHERRY. APPLIED ENGINEERING IN AGRICULTURE. 2003. 19(5):539-543.
- PETERSON, D.L., WOLFORD, S.D. FRESH MARKET QUALITY TREE FRUIT HARVESTER, PART II: APPLES. APPLIED ENGINEERING IN AGRICULTURE. 2003. 19(5):545-548.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? This project focuses on two main objectives. The first objective is to develop principles and systems for harvesting tree fruits to improve labor productivity and reduce grower costs. Main emphases are to develop: a) an automated harvester and compatible production system for fresh market quality apples grown on narrow trellises, b) a mechanical picking aid to work in narrow trellis orchards (see 1931-21440-002-03T), and c) a harvester for fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries (see 1931- 21440-002-01T). The second objective is to develop nondestructive sensors for objectively assessing the post-harvest quality of apples and incorporate these sensing techniques into an automatic inspection system for sorting apples based on surface and internal defects (see 1931-21440- 002-02S). 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? The availability of a skilled workforce to harvest and
grade fruit is a major concern of the U. S. Fruit Industry. The gradual tightening of labor supplies led to shortages from 2000 to 2003 and is expected to worsen in the future. Competition from countries with significantly lower labor costs will also force U. S. producers to reduce cost or lose valuable markets. The surface quality of fresh market apples is an important part of the consumer's decision to buy an apple. The fresh market apple industry realizes that it is critical to their well being that they deliver to the consumer a high quality apple free of defects. The apple process industry would also benefit from an online sorting system by reducing labor costs and improving product quality. 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? Developing effective mechanical harvesting and compatible production systems is an important goal of ARS's National Program 305 -- Integrated Crop Production & Protection
Systems. ARS's National Program 306 - New Uses, Quality, & Marketability of Plant Products encourages research to develop new sorting technology for product grading to provide rapid, accurate, and reproducible information. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment in FY2003: An automated apple defect detection/sorting system would reduce packing labor costs, improve labor productivity, and provide the consumer with consistent high quality fruit. Cooperation between the Appalachian Fruit Research Station and the Cornell University (see 1931-21440-002-02S) resulted in the development of a conveying system that positioned apples in the desired orientation for an experimental automated sorting system that detects defects. Test showed that nearly 98% of apples from fourteen cultivars were oriented properly. An orienting conveying system is a necessary key component in the development of an automated sorting system for
apple defects. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s): None C. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations: None D. Progress Report: Tests in an experimental apple orchard at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station in the fall of 2002 demonstrated the potential to mechanically harvest nearly 80 % fresh market quality fruit on many cultivars, but showed that apples with either a cut or puncture were the biggest factors preventing better results. Analysis of the data also showed that this fruit removal technique produced excessive stempulls, which could lead to decay in storage. Collaborating with a Postharvest Pathologist at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station, the research team studied the decay potential of cultivars for stem versus stempulls, and biocontrol if decay was a problem. Preliminary data showed significant differences in decay potential between cultivars, both with and without stems, and the potential for biocontrol when decay was a problem. 5.
Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. Research was conducted to improve worker productivity and reduce harvesting costs of processed oranges to keep the US Citrus competitive on the world market. Korvan Industries, Lynden, WA, and OXBO International, Byron, NY successfully tested commercial prototypes derived from ARS's direct-drive spiked-drum orange harvesting concept with results demonstrating greatly improved worker productivity and excellent potential for effectively harvesting process oranges. OXBO International and Korvan Industries have sold commercial harvesters and this commercialization should reduce harvesting costs and reduce the citrus industry dependency on unreliable labor supplies. The tree fruit industry is facing shortages in harvest labor. An apple harvest aid for Y-trellised trees was developed to improve worker productivity. Worker picking efficiency was increased up to 40% and harvested
fruit quality was nearly as good as standard hand harvesting. If labor shortages worsen, this concept may allow the fruit industry to harvest some of their crop with less labor. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? FY2004 Finish the development of a mechanical harvesting system for fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries and transfer the information to industry (a continuing process). Develop solutions to the stem-pull problem when mechanically harvesting apples. In cooperation with Washington growers run extensive field evaluation of apple harvest aid for narrow trellised orchards to optimize picker location. Develop fully functional automatic on-line defect detection system for surface defects of apples including orientation (an additional component, orientation detection system, was added to improve sorting potential, but delayed development by one year). Develop knowledge of sensor requirements for internal defect detection of apples.
FY2005 Extensively test mechanical harvester system for fresh market quality apples and determine commercial potential. Develop efficient bin handling system for apple harvest aid. Develop requirements for robotic harvesting of apples. Develop on-line internal defect detection system. FY2006 Develop robotic harvester for fresh market quality apples grown on narrow trellis systems. 7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Industry cooperators and contacts are kept informed of progress through grower presentations and field days, and their advice is used to keep project objectives relevant. Orange harvesting technology has being transferred to the industry and has been commercialized by Korvan Industries, Lynden, WA and OXBO
International, Byron, NY. Technology to mechanically harvest fresh market quality sweet cherries should be transferred to the industry in 1-2 years with no major obstacles foreseen. Potential cherry harvester manufactures have studied the experimental harvester in operation and discussions for technology transfer held. Progress to date raises the expectation that technology transfer of an automated sorting system might be achieved in 2-4 years. Discussions have been held with potential sorting equipment manufacturers. 8. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: This does not replace your peer-reviewed publications listed below). Clendaniel, E. Fruit Loops. Forbes October 5, 2002 p.37-40. Warner, G., Researcher fine-tunes cherry harvester. Good Fruit Grower53(11):14-15. June, 2002. Warner, G., Harvester not ready for apples yet. Good Fruit Grower 53(11) :15. June, 2002. Warner, G.
Make picking decision at planting time. Good Fruit Grower 53(14):28-29. Sept, 2002. Harrell, D., Mechanical Cherry Harvesters may not be too far off. Yakima-Herald, January 26, 2003. Harrell, D., Cherry Picker Gives Growers Look At Future. Yakima-Herald, June 28, 2003.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Peterson, D.L., Wolford, S.D. Presented "Mechanical harvester for fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries" at the 6th International Symposium on Fruit, Nut, and Vegetable Production Engineering conference. 2001. p. 123-127.
- Peterson, D.L., Wolford, S.D. Mechanical harvester for fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 2001. v. 44(3). p. 481-485.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? This project focuses on two main areas. The first area is to develop principles and systems for harvesting tree fruits to improve labor productivity and reduce grower costs. Main emphases are to develop: a) an automated harvester and compatible production system for fresh market quality apples grown on narrow trellises, and b) a harvester for fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries (see 1931-21440-002-01T). The second area is to develop nondestructive sensors for objectively assessing the post-harvest quality of apples and incorporate these sensing techniques into an automatic inspection system for sorting apples based on surface and internal defects (see 1931-21440-002-02S). 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? The availability of a skilled workforce to harvest and grade fruit is a major concern of the U.S. fruit industry. The gradual tightening of labor supplies led
to shortages in 2000, 2001, and 2002 and is expected to worsen in the future. Competition from countries with significantly lower labor costs will also force U. S. producers to reduce cost or lose valuable markets. The surface quality of fresh market apples is an important part of the consumer's decision to buy an apple. The fresh market apple industry realizes that it is critical to their well being that they deliver to the consumer a high quality apple free of defects. The apple process industry would also benefit from an online sorting system by reducing labor costs and improving product quality. 3. How does it relate to the national Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? Developing effective mechanical harvesting and compatible production systems is an important goal of ARS National Program 305, Integrated Crop Production & Protection Systems. The ARS National Program 306, New Uses, Quality, & Marketability of Plant Products, encourages
research to develop new sorting technology for product grading to provide rapid, accurate, and reproducible information. 4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY2002: Higher hand harvesting costs and shortages of labor necessitated that an economically viable mechanical harvesting system for sweet cherries be developed. Cooperation between the Appalachian Fruit Research Station and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission resulted in the development of a mechanical harvester for fresh market quality sweet cherries. The research prototype was extensively tested and demonstrated potential high harvest rates, efficient fruit collection, and fruit quality comparable with commercial hand harvesting. When commercialized, this mechanical harvesting system should reduce both harvesting costs and the cherry industry dependency on unreliable labor supplies. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: A
mechanical harvesting system is being developed for fresh market apples grown on a trellis. Compatible tree training techniques and growth habits are being developed and identified. Energy absorbing catching/conveying surfaces and low damage bin fillers have been developed. Field tests on nine cultivars showed promise with fruit removal nearly complete and fruit grading about 80% Extra Fancy. Apple stem-pull was identified as a significant problem on most apple cultivars. With the cooperation of a postharvest pathologist, research was initiated to determine the extent of the problem and possible remedies. C. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations: None. 5. Describe your major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact? Research was conducted to improve worker productivity and reduce harvesting costs of processed oranges to keep the US Citrus competitive on the world market. Korvan Industries, Lynden, WA, and
OXBO International, Byron, NY successfully tested commercial prototypes derived from ARS' direct-drive spiked-drum orange harvesting concept with results demonstrating excellent potential for effectively harvesting process oranges. OXBO International and Korvan Industries have sold commercial harvesters and this commercialization should reduce harvesting costs and reduce the citrus industry dependency on unreliable labor supplies. The tree fruit industry is facing shortages in harvest labor. An apple harvest aid for Y-trellised trees was developed to improve worker productivity. Worker picking efficiency was increased up to 40% and harvested fruit quality was nearly as good as hand harvesting. If labor shortages worsen, this concept may allow the fruit industry to harvest some of their crop with less labor. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? FY2003. Finish the development of a mechanical harvesting system for fresh market quality stemless
sweet cherries and transfer the information to industry. Develop machine characteristics and training requirements of compatible orchards for commercial mechanical harvesting of fresh market quality apples. Develop solutions to the stem-pull problem when mechanically harvesting apples. Develop fully functional automatic on- line defect detection system for surface defects of apples including orientation. FY2004. Extensively test mechanical harvester system for fresh market quality apples and transfer to industry the automated bin filler. Develop requirements for robotic harvesting of apples. Develop knowledge of sensor requirements for internal defect detection of apples. FY2005. Develop robotic harvester for fresh market quality apples grown on narrow trellis systems. Develop on-line internal defect detection system. 7. What technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer other scientist)?
What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption durability of the technology? Industry cooperators and contacts are kept informed of progress through grower presentations and field days, and their advice is used to keep project objectives relevant. Orange harvesting technology has being transferred to the industry and is now commercialized by Korvan Industries, Lynden, WA and OXBO International, Byron, NY . Technology to mechanically harvest fresh market quality sweet cherries should be transferred to the industry in 1-2 years with no major obstacles foreseen. Progress to date raises expectation that technology transfer of an automated sorting system might be expected in 3-5 years. 8. List your most important publications and presentations, and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your review publications which are listed below) Elia, Laura. How Sweet It Is. Fruit Grower. 2002, v.122(6).p.8.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Peterson, D.L., Wolford, S.D. Presented "Mechanical harvester for fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries" at the 6th International Symposium on Fruit, Nut, and Vegetable Production Engineering conference. 2001. p. 123-127.
- Peterson, D.L., Wolford, S.D. Mechanical harvester for fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 2001. v. 44(3). p. 481-485.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it?
This project focuses on two main areas. The first area is to develop principles and systems for harvesting tree fruits to improve labor productivity and reduce grower costs. Main emphases are to develop: (1) an automated harvester and compatible production system for fresh market quality apples grown on narrow trellises,(2) a harvester for fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries (see 1931-21440-002-01 T), and (3) a harvester for process-quality oranges using ARS's canopy shaking principle. The second area is to develop nondestructive sensors for objectively assessing the post-harvest quality of apples and incorporate these sensing techniques into an automatic inspection system for sorting apples based on surface and internal defects (see 1931-21440-001-04S).
2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
The availability of a skilled labor workforce to harvest and grade fruit is a major concern of the U. S. fruit industry. The gradual tightening of labor supplies led to some shortages in 2000 and 2001 and it is expected to worsen in the future. Competition from countries with significantly lower labor costs will also force U. S. producers to reduce costs or lose valuable markets. The surface quality of fresh market apples is an important part of the consumer's decision to buy an apple. The fresh market apple industry realizes that it is critical to their well being for them to deliver to the consumer a high quality apple that is free of defects. The apple process industry would also benefit from an online sorting system by reducing labor costs and improving product quality.
3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Component(s)?
Developing effective mechanical harvesting and compatible production systems is an important goal of ARS National Program 305 -- Integrated Crop Production & Protection Systems. ARS National Program 306 - New Uses, Quality, & Marketability of Plant Products encourages research to develop new sorting technology for product grading to provide rapid, accurate, and reproducible information.
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year?
A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY2001. Due to a shortage of a skilled labor workforce, harvesting fruit is a major concern of the U.S. Fruit Industry. A new concept of harvesting processed oranges was developed at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station at Kearneysville, WV and tested in cooperation with Korvan Industries, Lynden, WA, and OXBO International, Byron, NY in some Florida orange groves. This commercialization should reduce harvesting costs and reduce the citrus industry dependency on unreliable labor supplies. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s): 1. Labor shortages and increased costs of harvesting sweet cherries for the fresh market are putting an econimical burden on the industry. In cooperation with the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission, all components for a complete mechanical harvesting system were designed, constructed and tested. Fruit damage was only slightly more with this system than with hand harvesting. Reliability and
predictability of the growth regulator, Etherl, which reduces fruit detachment force, were identified for more extensive research. Research will continue to develop more knowledge of the requirements for successful machine harvesting. 2. The availability of a skilled labor workforce and the consistency of grading fruit have a major impact on fruit quality and competitiveness of the U.S. Fruit Industry. An imaging system for apples using a specially designed optics & conveyor system were built & tested at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station, Kearneysville, WV, in cooperation with Cornell University. Image processing results showed that the quality of images improved with the new optics, and the new conveyor system properly orients apples regardless of their shape. These improvements will allow the building of a working model of an apple grader capable of sensing and eliminating apples with surface defects. 3. Fruit damage occurs when apples are placed in bulk bins during mechanical
harvesting and in the packing sheds. A new compact bin-filling concept was developed that minimizes damage and has enough capacity to be used on a mechanical harvester or in packing sheds. More extensive testing will be conducted in the fall of 2001. The bin filler could be available for commercialization in 2002. C. Significant Accomplishment(s)/Activities that Support Special Target Populations: The accomplishments in the development of fruit grading improves grower pack-out and consumer quality.
5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project including their predicted or actual impact.
1. The tree fruit industry is facing shortages in harvest labor. An apple harvest aid for Y-trellised trees was developed to improve worker productivity. Worker picking efficiency was increased up to 40% and harvested fruit quality was nearly as good as hand harvesting. If labor shortages worsen, this concept may allow the fruit industry to harvest some of their crop with less labor. 2. The apple industry would benefit from an online automated sorting systems by reducing labor costs and improving product quality to the consumer. Cooperation between the Appalachian Fruit Research Station and the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department of Cornell University has resulted in excellent progress in identifying wavelengths and combinations of wavelengths that can be used to detect a wide variety of defects on apples. Discriminate analysis identified 4 wave bands (540nm, 650 nm, 750nm, 950nm), which produced images with the highest and lowest contrast for most defects
tested. To use this information two online defect detection systems are being developed to integrate this sensing technology with image capturing, computer control, and orientation systems.
6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years?
FY2002: 1. Develop machine characteristics, cultural practices, and training requirements of compatible orchards for commercial mechanical harvesting of fresh market quality stemless sweet cherries. 2. Develop fully functional, automatic, on-line defect detection system for surface defects of applies, to include orientation. FY2003: 1. Develop machine characteristics and training requirements of compatible orchards for commercial mechanical harvesting of fresh market quality apples. 2. Develop knowledge of sensor requirements for internal defect detection of apples. FY2004: 1. Develop on-line internal defect detection system.
7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints if known, to the adoption & durability of the technology product?
Industry cooperators and contacts are kept informed of progress and their advice is used to keep project objectives relevant. Orange harvesting technology is being transferred to the industry. Technology to mechanically harvest fresh market quality sweet cherries should be transfer to the industry in 1-2 years. Progress to date raises expectation that technology transfer of an automated sorting system might be expected in 2-4 years.
8. List your most important publications in the popular press (no abstracts) and presentations to non-scientific organizations and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your peer-reviewed publications which are listed below)
1. Warner,G. Stemless sweet cherries make mechanical harvesting possible. Good Fruit Grower. 2000. v. 51(13). p. 28-30. 2. Throop, J. A., Aneshansley, D.J., Anger, B. 2000. Multispectral imaging station detects defects on apples. Photonics East 2000, Conference 4203-Biological Quality and Precision Agriculture II, Nov. 7-8,2000, Boston, MA, SPIE, Bellingham, WA.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Throop, J.A., Aneshansley, D.J., Upchurch, B. L., Anger, B. Apple orientation on two conveyors: Performance and predictability based on fruit shape characteristics. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. 2001. v. 44(1). p. 99-109.
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