Mechanization in Fruit Harvesting and Potential of Tree Shakers

Fruit picking is the most labour-intensive and time-consuming step of the fruit production pipeline.Conventional methods rely on manual labour for selective picking fruits ready for commercialization and post-harvest processing.Mechanization of fruit harvesting can promote the competence of fruit growers by reducing overall costs, dependence on manual labour, and ensuring timely harvests.This study compiles technological advancements in fruit harvesting mechanization, describing the basic working principles of mechanical harvesting devices and their operational parameters.The main challenges of mechanization include asynchronous fruit maturation, high fruit and tree damage, and diversity in orchard structures.Numerous attempts have been made to address these issues using vibratory harvesters or tree shakers, broadly categorized as air shakers, trunk shakers, limb shakers, and canopy shakers.The specific applications and limitations of these harvesters have been discussed.Additionally, studies exploring abscission chemicals for selective harvesting and customized catching units to minimize fruit damage have been reviewed.This study highlights the potential of mechanical harvesters in reducing labour dependence and costs while emphasizing the need for innovating indigenous harvesting systems.