Two Experimental Bruise Reduction Methods for Mechanically Harvested Apples

ABSTRACT TWO methods are described for reducing apple bruising incurred during mechanical harvesting. One method used lobe-shaped, shock absorbing, wheels arranged on rods to form tines which were inserted into the tree. This method was very successful in reduction of bruising but did not reduce skin breaks. A second method used energy absorbing foam particles which were adhered to the surface of the fruit by a dextrin adhesive. This method was less successful because the encapsulation particles themselves left an imprint on the apples. However, this technique poses some interesting possibilities if a suitable encapsulation material could be developed..