Harvest Planning in Apple Orchards Using an Optimization Model

One of the main factors affecting the quality of the apple is the state of maturity at which it is harvested. To help planning agricultural work in apple orchards, this study proposes an optimization model, working through harvest time windows, and that incorporates the fruit ripeness. The model seeks to minimize labor costs, equipment use, and loss of fruit quality, in order to meet the demand of packing plants, considering their processing capacities as well as the production in orchards. This model on three apple orchards in the Maule Region, Chile, led to a 16 % decrease in both labor costs and loss of income for harvesting fruits with poor quality.

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