This document summarizes developments in automation technologies for tree fruit production being researched by Penn State University and industry partners. Key areas of research include automated fruit transport and bin filling to reduce labor costs, monitoring systems for insect pests and plant stress, autonomous crop load scouting for timely management decisions, and reconfigurable vehicles that can perform multiple orchard tasks like spraying and harvesting. Field trials are also testing new high-density orchard training systems. The goal is to develop precision technologies that increase productivity and efficiency for specialty crop growers.
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Developments in Technology and Automation for Tree Fruit
1. Developments in Technology and Automation for Tree FruitTara Baugher and Katie EllisPenn State Cooperative Extension of Adams County
3. Ag Innovations TeamPSU FREC – Jim Schupp, Larry Hull, Henry Ngugi, Jim Travis, Greg Krawczyk, Lynn Kime, Edwin Winzeler, Tom KonPSU Southeast Region - Tara Baugher, Katie Ellis, Jim Remcheck, Student InternsPSU State College – Rob Crassweller, Rich Marini, Paul Heinemann, Jay Harper
4. Comprehensive Automation for Specialty CropsUSDA-SCRISpecialty Crops Research InitiativeCMU, PSU, Purdue, OSU, WSU, USDA
5. Adoption of New Ag Technologies8 yr lag to early adoption/15 yrs to full adoption From Alston, Norton, and PardeyScience Under Scarcity,1995.
10. Detection of Plant Stress, Disease, and Insect InfestationsDetection ResultsInput Images
11. Autonomous Crop Load ScoutingGoals:Better crop load measurements (more accurate and less costly than manual approach)Crop load measurements influence various orchard management decisions (e.g., matching harvesting to orders; fertilizer, irrigation, pest control measures)Autonomous scouting enables orchard management decisions to be made in a more timely and accurate manner
13. Reconfigurable MobilityGoal: develop reconfigurable vehicles that can be used for several functions, like spraying, mowing, harvest, pruning, and thinning - Research on accurate vehicle positioning to georeferencecrop and environmental conditions
19. Penn State Cooperative Extension of Adams CountyPenn State Fruit Research and Extension CenterPenn State Departments of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Horticulturewww.cascrop.comPenn State College of Agricultural Sciences research, extension, and resident education programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsements by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.
Editor's Notes
#3: grassroots initiative to retool orchards with innovative technologies
#4: Penn State team that began working together in 2005
#5: Positioned us for a very comprehensive SCRI, with CMU as the leadEmphasis on apples, but with focus on technologies of use to all specialty cropsMain themes in project
#6: ºÝºÝߣ that represents the adoption process in agriculture Lag time – reason for a such a comprehensive approach
#8: Hope to have a short term success increasing harvest efficiencyFruit transport and bin filler systems
#18: In peaches, looking at 3 systems compared to OC
#19: The early engagement of stakeholders was what led to initial funding, and the importance is on-goingWhen you have ideas, please share them. Versatile project team focused on challenges presented by growers