Packing Line
Introduction:
The packing line facility at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research
and Extension Center was established to provide researchers a valuable
tool in evaluating tree fruit experiments. The unit has the capability
to perform the functions of a commercial packing facility on a research-sized
scale. The facility is capable of handling samples, which range from
a few fruit to bin-sized
lots . The maximum capacity for sizing good-sized fruit is approximately
three bins per hour.
The Facility:
The experimental-sized packing line offers all the features of a commercial
packing operation. The system includes: 1) an immersion dumper
which can utilize water or a number of flotation products. 2) An elevator
with the ability to do both pre-sorting and pre-rinsing of the fruit.
3) A washer-rinser with brushes
for removing dirt an/or wax. 4) A double immersion tank with intermediate
washer . This allows the immersion application of two different
materials (surface sterilizing solutions, chemical or bio-control agents,
or defect indicating agents). The intermediate rinsing allows the use
of non-compatible solutions. 5) A brush
bed which can utilize foam rollers, or brushes (Pec, 50% horsehair,
or 100% horsehair) to remove the residual water prior to waxing or to
shine the natural wax. 6) A waxer or line-spray applicator
. The unit can utilize either a spray type wigwag unit or spinning disc
applicator to apply waxes or line sprays. 7) A drying
tunnel offering either air, or heated-air drying. 8) A sorting table
which allows for standard grade
sorting , or the removal of specific
defects . 9) A two-lane Greefa
color-sizer . This unit utilizes color and infrared cameras and
allows for the sorting of fruit on the basis of average color, percentage
blush, average background color, size (weight, length, or diameter),
or quality. The fruit can be automatically categorized into 45 groups
by the computer based on the sorting
criteria , and two grades sized concurrently. The actual measured
values for color, blush and size can be reported on a fruit-by-fruit
basis. 10) Two computer controlled fruit-drop packing
stations allow the selection of specific fruit for further study,
or the elimination of specific categories of fruit from the main stream.
11) A bin filler , which allows
fruit to be returned to bulk containers for delivery to a commercial
packing operation or destruction, if required. 12) An accompanying storage
facility allows for the limited storage of research samples prior
to or following packing line operations.
Utilization:
The facility has been utilized to evaluate: 1) Pruning, training, thinning,
and management trials; 2) The infestation levels of different insect
pests from IFP research plots; 3) The application of scald inhibiting
chemicals, handling-induced fruit scuffing; and 4) The influence of
growth-regulating compounds. In addition to the researchers at the Mid-Columbia
Agricultural Research and Extension Center, University, USDA and private
contract researchers and chemical company research and technical representatives
in Oregon and Washington have utilized the facility.
Prospective Research:
Prospective researchers can utilize fruit from research plots in their
home areas, or from local sources. Researchers at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural
Research and Extension Center can assist outside researchers is setting
up plots in the local area. Prospective researchers should contact:
Clark Seavert, Superintendent, Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and
Extension Center, 3005 Experiment Station Drive, Hood River, Oregon
97031-9512.
E-mail: clark.seavert@oregonstate.edu
Phone: 541-386-2030 ext. 12
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