A trial of a multi function tree management platform is underway in Western Australia to support the adoption of technology driven Narrow Orchard Systems.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has purchased an electric powered Frucotec Berglady platform, designed to allow two people to safely harvest fruit and work on trees at height without using ladders.
The platform adds to the range of equipment and smart technologies being tested at the department’s Narrow Orchard Systems research and demonstration site at the Manjimup Horticulture Research Institute.
Findings from the trial will contribute to the five year national Narrow Orchard Systems for Future Climates project, led by Hort Innovation and involving other states, universities and industry partners including Pomewest.
“The platform’s narrow design makes it suitable for use in 2D multileader narrow rows from two metres, while it can service trees of up to 3.5 metres in height – allowing two people to work simultaneously across rows at varying heights,” said DPIRD fruit and perennial crops lead Dario Stefanelli.
According to him, it can also be used for pruning, tree training, binding, thinning, and opening hail nets. The electric powered machine has zero emissions and its lightweight build means reduced soil compaction.
The Berglady platform is being evaluated in Australia for the first time.
The project is also examining the use of autonomous spraying systems, light detection and ranging technology or cameras, plant and soil moisture sensors, and the development of an open source dashboard for data collection.