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Subject

Raisin Mechanization

Description

Raisin roll pickup machine with bin trailer.

The total mechanization of raisin harvest and drying is a long-term goal of the California raisin industry. Research and innovation toward this end began in the 1950s with mechanical raisin roll pickup. The most significant progress has involved the continuous-tray mechanized systems and the adoption of the dry-on-the-vine (DOV) systems. Grower innovation and industry development are continuing; equipment suppliers and manufacturers as well as researchers at the universities and the USDA are also committed to this goal.

Current work on raisin harvest mechanization can be divided into two main areas: tray drying (single or continuous) and DOV.

People

Pete Christensen
Matthew Fidelibus
William Peacock
Henry Studer

Publications

Christensen L.P. Current Developments in Harvest Mechanization and DOV (PDF). Pages 252-264 in: Raisin Production Manual. University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication 3393, Oakland, CA.

Studer, H.E. Raisin Harvest Mechanization: A Bit of History (PDF). Pages 245-251 in: Raisin Production Manual. University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication 3393, Oakland, CA.

Peacock, W., and Swanson, F. 2005. The future of California raisins is drying on the vine (PDF) Cal. Ag. 59(2):70-74.

This website is a work in progress of the University of California (UC) Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) Integrated Grape Production Workgroup. It is designed to increase accessability to the work of UC researchers, including faculty, Cooperative Extension (CE) specialists, CE advisors, and staff. UC Researchers interested in contributing content are invited to contact Deborah Golino dagolino@ucdavis.edu to discuss possible contributions.