ISHS Acta Horticulturae 791: V International Symposium on Olive Growing
THE INFLUENCE OF VARIETY AND HARVESTING PERIOD ON THE EFFICIENCY OF MECHANICAL HARVESTING OF ADULT OLIVE TREES IN ABRUZZO, ITALY |
| Authors: | T. Visco, M. Molfese, M. Cipolletti, R. Corradetti, A. Tombesi |
| Keywords: | olive, mechanical harvesting, harvesting period, variety, canopy size, branches |
| Abstract:
Many of the olive trees in Central Italy are 60-70 years old and large in size, so the application of shaker on the trunk does not give satisfying results. A light shaker which is able to move easily and hook the main branches secures a generally high fruit removal of 80%, by shaking an average of 3.2 branches per tree. Leccino and Frantoio cultivars showed the best results, because of their larger fruits, while with Moraiolo with its smaller fruits and medium fruit detachment force produced a harvest of only 71%. The average branch volume was between 25 to 40 m3, which can be effective for vibration if applied to the right cultivars. Frantoio showed better fruit oil content in respect to Leccino and Moraiolo. Regarding the best time for harvesting, Leccino showed better results during the medium and late periods of harvesting, when the fruit oil content also increased, while the fruit detachment force remained at about the same level. It is possible to mechanize the fruit harvesting on large trees by shaking the branches with machines capable of moving inside the canopy and easily hook the branches, but it is necessary to find suitable solutions in order to reduce the manual labour involved in the net movement. | |
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