Tests indicate that, under good conditions, 80 to 90 per cent removal of sweet cherries is possible by mechanical shaking. However, overcoming tree injury is essential to successful commercial use of tree shaking equipment. Improved clamping devices must be developed that will eliminate or minimize tree injury. Pruning and training adjustments will be required to facilitate use of mechanical harvesting equipment in the orchard and aid in fruit removal. Results of brining tests indicate that much of the bruising observed in the fresh fruit was not visible after brining, particularly when the fruit was placed in brine immediately after harvest. Shipping any of the mechanically harvested sweet cherry crop appears impractical today.

This project was supported in part by a grant from the San Joaquin Cherry Growers and Industries Foundation. The Best Welding Works, Modesto, and A. D. Goodwin Co., Manteca, supplied harvesting equipment and assistance with the testing program. Ray Rugani and the Stockton Cherry Briners Inc. assisted and furnished facilities for the brining tests. Joe S. Solari's cherry orchards were used for the tests.