Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 7.3
Rotating String Thinner (www.fruit-tec.com).
7.2.2.2 Electromechanical Fruit Thinning
A study was conducted to improve mechanical thinning by exciting individual
branches at a precise frequency and duration to achieve a superior distribution of
fruit remaining on the tree (Rosa et al., 2008). A unique and precise electromagnetic
limb shaker that requires no branch clamping was developed and evaluated under
field conditions and tested on nectarines, peaches, and prunes (Figure 7.4). Results
from tests conducted using this electromechanical fruit thinning showed that more
fruits were removed from the top part (33%), and then followed by the middle part
(28%). The lower part of the tree has the lowest removal percentage (14%). A low
FIGURE 7.4
Electromechanical Fruit Thinner. (From Rosa, U.A. et al.,
Comput. Electron.
Agric.
, 61, 2, 213-221, 2008. With permission.)
