Article: An optimal harvest date prediction tool for long-term storage of red currants Journal: International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation (IJPTI) 2013 Vol.3 No.1 pp.5 - 12 Abstract: Harvesting at the optimal time is critical for a high quality product destined for long-term storage. Still, there are insufficient tools to determine optimal harvest date. In this work, we present a very practical optimal harvest date tool based on a model developed several years ago and tested with several crops such as cherries, peaches, and nectarines. We have developed and validated the model with data collected for red-currants from the seasons 2005 to 2010 and found to be a useful and quite precise tool for optimal harvest date of red currants destined to long-term storage. This model is based on the concept that fruit developmental rates are primarily governed by heat exposure during the first 30 days after bloom. This study provides practical evidence of the suitability of this tool for growers for harvesting at the right time allowing them to plan in advance the harvest season. It might potentially be implemented for many other crops. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: An optimal harvest date prediction tool for long-term storage of red currants

Authors: Eelke H. Westra; Jan Verschoor; Charles Buddendorf; Romina Pedreschi

Addresses: Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, The Netherlands ' Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, The Netherlands ' Royal Fruitmasters Group, P.O. Box 222, 4190 CE Geldermalsen, The Netherlands ' Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA, The Netherlands

Abstract: Harvesting at the optimal time is critical for a high quality product destined for long-term storage. Still, there are insufficient tools to determine optimal harvest date. In this work, we present a very practical optimal harvest date tool based on a model developed several years ago and tested with several crops such as cherries, peaches, and nectarines. We have developed and validated the model with data collected for red-currants from the seasons 2005 to 2010 and found to be a useful and quite precise tool for optimal harvest date of red currants destined to long-term storage. This model is based on the concept that fruit developmental rates are primarily governed by heat exposure during the first 30 days after bloom. This study provides practical evidence of the suitability of this tool for growers for harvesting at the right time allowing them to plan in advance the harvest season. It might potentially be implemented for many other crops.

Keywords: optimal harvests; red currants; long-term storage; prediction; redcurrants; harvest dates; harvesting; optimal times; quality products; high quality; cherries; peaches; nectarines; developmental rates; fruit development; heat exposure; fruit blooms; growers; harvest season; Netherlands; Holland; postharvest technology; innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2013.051983

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2013 Vol.3 No.1, pp.5 - 12

Received: 21 Jun 2012
Accepted: 21 Jun 2012
Published online: 05 Jul 2014 *

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Title: An optimal harvest date prediction tool for long-term storage of red currants

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