Influence of Hand Picking Prior to Optimum and Late Timing of Machine Harvesting on Yield and Quality of A-5344 Strawberries1

Abstract

The response of an Arkansas breeding-line 5344 of strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) to 0, 1 or 2 hand pickings prior to once-over machine harvest and to the timing of the machine harvest was examined for 3 years on the same planting. Increased yields from 1 or 2 hand pickings prior to machine harvest were lost by delaying machine harvest past the estimated optimum time (80 to 85% ripe fruit). Machine-harvested yield was reduced by hand picking and/or by delaying the time of machine harvest past the optimum period. Machine- harvested fruit quality was reduced in % soluble solids, acidity and color compared to the quality of hand-picked fruit but tended to improve as the number of hand pickings prior to machine harvest increased. Organoleptic evaluations of fruit puree from all harvesting treatments were rated acceptable.

Influence of Mechanical Harvesting on Quality of Small Fruits and Grapes

“…After one or 2 handpickings, total soluble solids, shear or firmness, and color intensity of the composite once-over machine-harvested fruit was the same as or higher than that of hand-harvested fruit (72). Percentage of total soluble solids, acidity, and color were lower, in general, as compared to those of hand-picked fruit, but these qualities tended to improve as the number of hand-pickings prior to machine harvest was increased (72). Sensory evaluation of fruit puree from both machine-harvested and hand-picked fruit was rated as acceptable (71,72).…”

“…Fruit re maining on the plants after one or 2 hand-harvests had a higher percentage of ripe fruit in the once-over harvest than did machineharvested fruit not preceded by a hand-harvest. After one or 2 handpickings, total soluble solids, shear or firmness, and color intensity of the composite once-over machine-harvested fruit was the same as or higher than that of hand-harvested fruit (72). Percentage of total soluble solids, acidity, and color were lower, in general, as compared to those of hand-picked fruit, but these qualities tended to improve as the number of hand-pickings prior to machine harvest was increased (72).…”

“…Percentage of total soluble solids, acidity, and color were lower, in general, as compared to those of hand-picked fruit, but these qualities tended to improve as the number of hand-pickings prior to machine harvest was increased (72). Sensory evaluation of fruit puree from both machine-harvested and hand-picked fruit was rated as acceptable (71,72).…”

“…These cultivars have concentrated ripening patterns and firm fruit. Each cultivar also has an optimal time of harvest, after which quality and/or usable yield will decrease (63,64,66,68,72,76). Most cultivars suited for machine harvesting in Arkansas have a 5-to 6-day optimal period for a once-over harvest (63,68).…”

“…Quality of machine-harvested fruit from certain strawberry cul tivars is also improved by prior hand-picking (71,72). Fruit re maining on the plants after one or 2 hand-harvests had a higher percentage of ripe fruit in the once-over harvest than did machineharvested fruit not preceded by a hand-harvest.…”