Further optimization of an optical sorting system for mechanically harvested grapes from steep slope vineyards

Project

Production processes

This project contributes to the research aim 'Production processes'. Which funding institutions are active for this aim? What are the sub-aims? Take a look:
Production processes

Project code: JKI-OW-08-1186
Contract period: 01.09.2013 - 30.04.2016
Purpose of research: Experimental development

JKI OW cooperated in a joint project coordinated by DLR-Mosel in developing an automatic sorting system for mechanically harvested grapes. This system is able to sort out diseased an unripe berries as well as plant debris, insects and other materials that could negatively influence the quality of the yield. While the sorter shows an excellent selection efficiency with both white and red berries, the sometimes high concentration of microorganisms in the air during the sorting process could jeopardize the economic success of the system. The aim of this follow-up project is therefore identification of the sources of fungal cell and spore emission as well as their qualitative and quantitative characterization and the technical adaptation of the system based on these results. An automatic sorting system for grape berries will improve the economic situation in steeps slope viticulture. Fungal organisms associated with the harvest can be emitted into the air during sorting. They are quantified, cultivated and characterized with respect to potential health risks . A culture collection is set up as a reference for futurer reseach related to grape mould fungi. The spore concentration in the air is quantified by punctual measurements of emissions at the sorting device and continuous collection in the pressing station, and the the collected organisms are cultivated for subsequent characterization. So far, 34 mould associated fungal species of 14 genera have been identified.

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