14. 



For insect and disease damage, the revenue loss per acre is 

 a relatively low $43.20. This includes $19.20 for insect damage 

 and $24 for disease. The cost of reducing these injury levels any 

 further may be nearly as great as the value of the fruit saved. 

 This again is an indication of the grower's success in dealing with 

 pests and disease. 



Note that a 10 percent reduction in physical damage would mean 

 additional revenue of $27.84 per acre. This would more than off- 

 set the loss due to either insect or disease damage. Such a re- 

 duction may be nearly cost free if it could be accomplished by 

 handling the apples just a bit more carefully. 



Summary and Conclusions 



The packing operations sampled had a combined cull rate of 

 22.2 percent. Assuming a 600 bushel per acre yield, the culls 

 mean a reduction in revenue of $1065.60 per acre. Note that at 

 higher yields, the loss of revenue would be even larger. 



The challenge to the grower is clear: by reducing cull rates, 

 revenue per acre can be increased. Given the high cost of equip- 

 ment, materials and labor, however, the cost of reducing some types 

 of damage such as insect and disease may nearly equal the revenue 

 gained. 



Bruise, mechanical and puncture defects m.ight be reduced with- 

 out increasing costs too much if the grower is careful to determine 

 where and when the damage occurs. Although speed is important when 

 picking, grading and packing, the labor force should be reminded 

 that they are dealing with a very fragile apple and that some extra 

 care is necessary. Likewise forklift, tractor and truck drivers 

 should be cautious when handling the apples. A 6 inch drop can 

 cause considerable bruise and puncture damage to the contents of a 

 box or bin. 



Good cultural and pest control practices have reduced insect 

 and disease damage to acceptable levels. Similar attention to de- 

 tail in labor management and handling may go a long way toward re- 

 ducing physical damage. 



The large revenue losses due to size and color defects and 

 physical damage have some research and Extension implications as 

 well. More attention should be given to practices that can reduce 

 fruit size and color deficiencies. Harvesting and handling pro- 

 cedures and both hand and mechanical grading and packing methods 

 should be scrutinized to determine which result in the lowest 

 damage levels. 



