PRIMARY CONCEPT 3.1: Harvest fruit at optimum maturity and under conditions that will ensure a quality product in the market.
Critical Guidelines
3.1.1 Physiological maturity at which the fruit is harvested is very important.
- Take note of the special protocols for Cripps Pink apples.
- Monitor maturity regularly throughout the season at specific times of the day.
- Maturity greatly influences storability and eating quality of the fruit.
- Follow cultivar-specific protocols (in particular Forelle pears).
- Only optimally mature fruit should be selected for long-term storage.
- Immature apples are more prone to scald development.
- It is advisable to use Hortgro’s services for maturity advice.
3.1.2 Avoid picking wet fruit (from dew, rain, or irrigation).
- Avoid fruit with high turgor pressure caused by rain or irrigation.
- If rain continues for more than 10 hours, resume picking only the next day.
3.1.2 Supporting Documents
3.1.3 Optimise the picking programme according to cultivar, maturity, and bruisability.
- Avoid high-turgidity periods for bruisable cultivars.
- Avoid warm periods of the day for high-wilt-potential cultivars.
3.1.3 Supporting Documents
3.1.4 Employ well-trained pickers.
- Use best harvesting methods and appropriate equipment.
- Specialised training for farm workers is available via the Hortgro YouTube Channel.
- If using contract pickers, ensure that incentives do not contribute to bruising or damag
3.1.4 Supporting Documents
3.1.5 Be particularly careful to prevent bruising during picking and handling.
Ensure that appropriate protocols are in place.