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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Kearneysville, West Virginia » Appalachian Fruit Research Laboratory » Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #146661
Title: HARVEST MECHANIZATION PROGRESS AND PROSPECTIVE FOR FRESH MARKET QUALITY DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS

Author
item Peterson, Donald

Submitted to: HortTechnology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2003
Publication Date: 8/1/2003
Citation: PETERSON, D.L. HARVEST MECHANIZATION PROGRESS AND PROSPECTIVE FOR FRESH MARKET QUALITY DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS. HORTTECHNOLOGY. 2003.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The availability of a skilled workforce to harvest tree fruits is a major concern of the U. S. Fruit Industry. Tightening of labor supplies has led to shortages in recent years. Competition from countries with significantly lower labor costs is threatening the viability of U. S. producers. Mechanization could be an effective tool to increase worker productivity and keep U. S. Fruit industries competitive in the World market. No deciduous tree fruit crops are mechanically harvested for the fresh market. This manuscript discusses the reasons for lack of mechanical harvesting, research attempts to mechanically harvest tree fruits, and then speculates on requirements for successful harvest mechanization.