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How does the way a blueberry plant releases ripe and green berries affect its suitability for machine harvesting?
What are the considerations regarding the firmness of the fruit and the growth characteristics of the plant that influence machine harvestability?
We are often asked about the machine harvestability of different blueberry varieties. Different geographical regions and climate zones have different picking characteristics in any given variety. However, five basic factors determine whether a variety can be machine harvested:
If a variety requires a vigorous shaking action to release ripe fruit, it could cause damage to the plant, the harvested fruit, and the unharvested fruit. Varieties that do not easily release ripe fruit are not ideal for machine harvest.
Some varieties will release green (unripe) berries as easily as the ripe berries. This characteristic can reduce your pack out and reduce the volume of fruit available to harvest on subsequent passes; it is not ideal for machine harvest.
Soft varieties may be more suspectable to bruising during mechanical picking and handling or they may only release fruit when it is overripe. Soft varieties should be avoided but may work if you are targeting the processed or juice grade market. For a resource on berry firmness in the Pacific Northwest region, see the work of Dr. Wei Yang (Oregon State University) video here. Your nursey may also have resources related to firmness.
Plants with an upright growth pattern pick better by machine than plants with a low or wide growth pattern. Wild or low bush varieties do not lend themselves to machine harvest. Varieties with weak canes may not stand up well enough to enter the harvester; trellising or training wires can address this issue. Large, vigorous varieties may require a larger tunnel harvester, especially as the plants mature.
The plants must be vigorous enough to withstand a mechanical harvester. Some plant diseases can be spread by the harvester or other equipment contacting the plant in the field. Starting with disease free plants from a respectable nursery is very important. Use virus free planting stock.
These statements are intended as general guidelines. Oxbo recommends you work with a reputable plant propagator to provide recommendations on the best varieties for machine harvest in your area.
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