ISHS Acta Horticulturae 187: I International Symposium on Mechanization of Vegetable Production
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED FOR MECHANIZED VEGETABLE PRODUCTION |
| Authors: | G.J.H. Grubben, J.A. Schoneveld |
| Abstract:
Mechanization interferes with the growing conditions of the crop, often resulting in negative effects on yield and quality. Research on mechanization has two approaches: the adaptation of the machinery to the crop and the adaptation of the crop to the available machinery. Crop adaptation to the machinery is achieved at three levels: varietal characteristics, cultural practices and operational planning. Genetic adaptation mainly concerns plant characteristics for mechanical harvesting. The once-over harvest of French beans, peas, broad beans, tomatoes and Brussels sprouts necessitated breeding of varieties with uniform maturing. Such breeding programmes are going on for peppers, gherkins and strawberries. Research is also needed on resistance to mechanical damage, and other morphological (plant habit) and physiological characteristics. Cultural practices such as cultivation on beds or ridges, plant density and spacing, diseases and weed control have to be adapted to mechanization. The introduction of precision seeders and transplanters results in an increased demand for high quality seeds and a shift of plant raising from the grower to specialised companies. Changes in operational planning result in revised timing of production. Present-day technology offers possibilities for further perfection of seed drilling, plant raising, planting, spraying, harvesting, washing, grading, transport, storage and packing. | |
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