ASABE Technical Library - Abstract

Abstract.

Knowledge of spatial variability in fruit yield, crop characteristics, fruit losses and slope of the ground is critical for planning and implementing the operational recommendation for mechanical harvesting. Wild blueberry growers are facing increased harvesting losses because of changes in crop conditions caused by improved management practices. The goal of this work is to characterize and quantify spatial pattern of variability in crop characteristics, fruit yield and slope in relation to fruit losses during harvesting. Completely randomized experiments were designed and yield plots (0.91 × 3 m) were constructed in selected fields. Total fruit yield, un-harvested berries on the plants, berries on the ground and loss through the blower were collected from each plot within selected fields. Pre-harvest fruit losses were collected from each plot prior to harvest. Slope, plant height and fruit zone were also recorded manually from each plot to examine their impact on fruit losses. The coefficient of variations (CVs) for fruit yield, berry losses, slope, plant height and fruit zone suggested moderate to high variability (CV>15%) within selected fields. Results of correlation analysis showed higher fruit losses in high yielding areas and vice versa. Results reported that the fruit yield, berry losses, slope, plant height and fruit zone had large spatial variation (range of influence ~ 20 to 50 m) within selected fields. Kriged maps also showed substantial variation in fruit losses, yield, plant parameters and slope. Variability in fruit losses corresponding with the spatial variations in crop characteristics, fruit yield and slope suggested that these parameters had significant effect on fruit losses during harvesting. Operational recommendations for mechanical harvesting by considering these spatial variations has the potential to increase profit margins for wild blueberry industry.