CHEMICAL AIDS TO THE MECHANIZED HARVESTING OF OLIVES

In Italy olives (Olea europea) are harvested between mid-November and the end of December and the high cost of labour is leading to the increasing use of mechanical shakers.
At the beginning of the harvesting period olives are difficult to shake, but fruit removal can be facilitated by sprays of CEPA, which however, also induce some defoliation.
Towards the end of the harvesting period losses from pre-harvest drop may become serious, but can be reduced by sprays of 2% Bordeaux mixture.
Trials with other chemicals are reviewed.

Symposium on growth Regulators in Fruit Production

N. Jacoboni, A. Tombesi

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1973.34.53