Minimizing Blueberry Loss when Mechanically Harvesting

The higher the machine is on the plant, the wider the plant is and the more gaps are created for fruit to fall to the ground. Set the machine as low as possible without running into dirt with the pans. Two common reasons for running too high on the plant are related to the planting style. 

If your blueberries are planted on flat ground the machine will need to run with the catchers higher on the plant. Tight pruning on the crown would be the only adjustment to reduce ground loss on this style planting. 

If new berms are created that are more than 24-inches wide, you can move to our wide tunnel harvesters (7450 or 8140) or you will have to run higher on the plants (causing more ground loss). Tight pruning on the crown could also reduce ground loss. 

Correct pruning is the most effective way to reduce fruit loss. Aim for a tight crown without any low hanging laterals. A tight crown reduces the open gaps where fruit can fall to the ground and makes the most effective use of the catcher plate design. 

Any time the harvester is off the center of the plant, you will see increased fruit loss as catchers on the right or left never/seldom close. Autosteer can help drivers stay on center. Drivers without auto steer should aim the center of the machine to the center of the ground (which can be difficult to identify in large plants). 

Setting your catcher plates correctly is important! If the plate angle is too flat, plates close slowly (friction!) and will drop more fruit. If the angle is too steep, you can create large gaps where fruit will be lost.  

Old/worn catchers can contribute to fruit loss. Oxbo catchers come with a unique dimple feature (the number of dimples depends on the catcher size) to create an air gap between the plates. This allows the plates to open/close with minimal effort, thanks to less friction. If the dimples have worn down on your plates, contact Oxbo or your dealer to add new dimples or purchase new catcher plates. Catching more fruit can easily cover the cost of new catcher plates. Have you checked your springs and rockers? Over time, in some conditions, rust can build up on rocker pins. Sand down pins to remove rust and improve the speed the catchers close. You want catchers that open and close with minimal effort. 

Organic matter can 1) hold the catchers open 2) divert fruit away from the catchers 3) create pockets of loss. Use of weed paper and good field management to minimize weeds growing in plants or between plants will reduce fruit loss. 

Do you have specific questions about how to reduce blueberry ground loss? Is it time for new catchers or new springs? Fill out the form and we will get back to you!