1. Harvesting and Handling Citrus

2. Harvesting Methods Manual –Min. Maturity standards (refer Table 1. in MLA’s paper) –Ladders and picking containers –Pulled from the limb- TX, FL –Clipped- CA, FL –Canvas or plastic sack Contd.

3. Harvesting Methods Manual –Wooden, plastic or metal container Processing ›Truck trailers ›FL-90% oranges and 50% GF ›CA and AZ- 35 % ›TX- 10% Contd.

4. Harvesting Methods Manual –Beginning of season-spot picked –CA: Lemons are picked with sizing rings –Expensive- Australia- 50% cost of production of oranges Contd.

5. Harvesting Methods Mechanical platforms and multi- positioner OR MONOPICKER –Research FL Dept of Citrus –Each machine has 3 platforms and carry up to 12 pickers –Giant hair brush with nylon bristles –Investment $5,400/picker –Power ladder - $15,000

6. Harvesting Methods Mechanical –Reduce picking time, labor and save atleast $ 4/ton –Only for processing fruits –Preharvest sprays to loosen the fruit –Limb and fruit interactions and catch frame

7. Harvesting Methods Tree shakers with catch frames Air blasts for fruit removal

8. Handling Packing house operations –Fig 7.3 (book) and Fig 2. from MLA’s paper.

9. Cultural Practices Fertilization Practices –High Nitrogen which increases tree vigor, thereby affecting color break

10. Packinghouse Treatments Bin Drenching Washing –Increases time for degreening? Waxing –Inhibits degreening Color Sorting –Increases efficacy of treatment