A Device for Measuring the Removal Force of Peaches1

Abstract

A device was designed to permit accurate and rapid measurement of the abscission or removal force of peaches when used with a mechanical force gauge. To handle fruit of different sizes, small and large units were constructed. A detail drawing of the two units is shown. This instrument was used to study the physiology of abscission, chemicals for thinning, and chemicals for uniform ripening of peaches for mechanical harvesting as related to the removal force.

Relationship of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Fruit Detachment Force to the Stage of Fruit Development and Chemical Composition1

“…Removal force was measured with a me chanical force gauge (Hunter Spring LKG-14) with a claw attachment for holding the fruit (7). Surface color was measured with a Hunter Colorimeter using L, a, b color scale.…”