The Benefits of Orchard Mechanization for the Tall Spindle Orchard System
Mario Miranda Sazo, Cultural Practices
Lake Ontario Fruit Program
Over the last 6 years we have witnessed the rapid adoption of motorized platforms in many Tall Spindle apple orchards in NY State to reduce production costs. Cornell mechanization research and extension efforts have increased the awareness of the economic benefits of orchard mechanization. The simple, narrow, and very adaptable canopy of the Tall Spindle system has facilitated the use of motorized platforms for partial mechanization of several orchard tasks. During the last four years we have introduced several platforms to growers (self-propelled or pulled by a tractor and single row or 2-row types) at each of the pruning demos conducted in Western NY and in the Champlain and Hudson Valley fruit production regions. NY growers and employees are using platforms for pruning (with loppers, pneumatic pruners, or a chainsaw on a pole), hand thinning, tree training and trellis construction and repair. The use of platforms has increased worker efficiency and also improved the successful adoption of the horticultural techniques of limb renewal pruning, and tree height control. Our current research and extension efforts for orchard mechanization are proceeding along three fronts: motorized platforms to position human workers for greater canopy management efficiency, mechanical pruning with hedging machines and harvest aid machines to improve the efficiency of harvest. In the attached article (Part 1) we describe the current advances and future applications of (1) new motorized platforms for dormant pruning, hand thinning, tree training and trellis construction, (2) the Cornell concept for a fruiting wall via mechanical pruning and other fruit wall experiences from around the world, and (3) the potential benefits and future challenges of robotic pruning in the future. The attached article (Part 2) covers the current advances for mechanized apple harvest in NY and the US.
The Platform Factor - Labor Positioning Machines Producing Good Results (pdf; 1186KB)
Upcoming Events
Apple Leafcurling Midge IPM - Webinar

February 16, 2023
In recent years, the apple leafcurling midge (ALCM) has become an increasingly problematic pest in many orchards across the northeast.
Western NY Fruit Conference - "State of the Industry"

February 27 - February 28, 2023
Henrietta, NY
CCE-LOF are excited to bring you a muti-day fruit conference in WNY! This is replacing our Winter Fruit Schools. Tentative Agenda is now available.
Fire Blight Informational Series - Michigan Fire Blight Meeting
March 1, 2023 : Michigan Fire Blight Meeting
Traverse City, MI
The team leading the national fire blight SCRI grant "Comprehensive Fire Blight Management for the United States" is hosting a March meeting (in person or virtual) as well as a webinar series. This multi-state series will address new research on best management practices for fire blight control. You are encouraged to attend these events which will provide cutting edge research recommendations into how to manage fire blight. Each session eligible for some DEC credits (see below for quantities, and bottom of article for direction on how to receive credit).