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Research Project:
MECHANICAL SWEET CHERRY HARVESTING
Location: Kearneysville, West Virginia
2007 Annual Report
1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
The main objective of this cooperative research project is to continue testing ARS's experimental sweet cherry harvester to determine cultivar characteristics, cultural practices, and tree training systems compatible with this harvesting concept. A second objective is to aid in technology transfer for commercialization.
1b.Approach (from AD-416)
The experimental sweet cherry harvester developed at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station will be loaned to Dr. Matthew D. Whiting, Washington State University, Prosser, WA for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 season. Dr. Whiting is developing and evaluating sweet cherry cultivar characteristics, cultural practices, and tree training systems for compatibility with machine harvest. Annual harvest trials will determine the optimum parameters.
3.Progress Report
This report serves to document research conducted under a non-funded cooperative Agreement between ARS and the Washington State University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 1931-21000-015-00D Integrated Orchard Management and Automation for Deciduous Tree Fruit Crops. Scientific research on this project has been completed and is awaiting "Final Reports from the Cooperator".
The sweet cherry harvester was moderately successful in removing fruit but additional horticultural modification of trees will be required. Annual harvest trials will determine the optimum parameters. Results were promising and a new project is being developed. The ADODR monitored progress with phone calls.
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Last Modified: 11/08/2008
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