Representatives of Fundecitrus and the Brazilian citrus industry went to Seville, Spain, to participate in a meeting about mechanical harvesting of citrus. The key objective was learning about different tools and machines designed for the mechanization of citrus handling.
One example of machinery is the mechanized harvesting equipment used for densely cultivated orange groves. In one of their visits, the group went to the Andaluz Institute for Research and Training on Agriculture, Fishing, Food and Ecology to see the Braud 11.90X Multi harvesting machine. New Holland, in partnership with the Spanish group Agromillora, produces the machine.
“It is a piece of equipment that has similar characteristics to other fruit harvesters; however, it requires a global change in grove management in order to function properly in our citrus farming fields,” said Juliano Ayres, the general manager of Fundecitrus.
The main challenges for the advancement of mechanized harvesting are the development and validation of dwarfing rootstocks in the groves, greater plant density, continuous pruning management and greater focus on greening.
According to Ayres, Spain is advancing in order to make this harvesting system a reality, primarily due to the technological development in the sector and, secondly, due to the shortage of labor.
In Ayres’ opinion, there are factors that need to be evaluated by citrus growers so that the sector is oriented to mechanized operations.
“There is a lot to weigh, including yield rates,” Ayres said. “For instance, we need varieties that provide uniform flowering on trees. As such, we will have oranges with the same harvesting conditions. This prevents the machine from damaging developing flowers and fruits.”
Since highly strict pruning methods are required in these trees, favorable conditions for the development of the psyllid in shoots are also enhanced.
“Citrus growers who choose to use mechanization in the future will have to be outstanding in their fight against greening,” said Ayres. “On the other hand, there will be less dependence on labor, more agility in the harvesting operations and positive impacts on labor issues.”
Source: Fundecitrus’ Citricultor magazine
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